Staff Correspondent

In response to public outrage over the closing of stalls selling sanitary napkins, Bangla Academy has reaffirmed its commitment to guaranteeing the free distribution of sanitary napkins during the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025, according to its Director General Professor Mohammad Azam.

After rumors circulated on Sunday that vendors selling diapers and sanitary napkins had been forced to close, the problem gained widespread attention. Concerned netizens on social media expressed their displeasure, prompting the Bangla Academy to clarify the matter via a press statement on Sunday night.

Earlier in the afternoon, two stalls operated by the women’s health brand 'Stay Safe' in the Suhrawardy Udyan section of the fair, were shut down. The fair authorities stated that the decision was made due to the sale of ‘unauthorised products’.

Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025 Committee Secretary Sarkar Amin confirmed the closures, stating that, only books and food items are permitted for sale, according to the fair’s regulations. He emphasized that the decision was not specific to sanitary napkins but applied to all unauthorized products.

In the statement signed by Bangla Academy Director General Prof Mohammad Azam, the Academy explained that while it organizes the traditional fair, the overall event management is handled by an external firm. This year, event management firm Dreamer Donkey was appointed to manage logistics and sponsorships; however, the Academy accused the firm of violating multiple fair regulations, including setting up unauthorized sales points.

“The event management firm initially informed us that sanitary napkins and diapers would be provided free of charge near the washrooms for women and children. However, we later discovered that these products, along with some other products, were being sold; as a result, we ordered the stalls to be closed,” the statement read.

The Academy stated that despite repeated warnings, the event management firm failed to comply with fair policies. Over three days, the Academy took the initiative to shut down the unauthorized stalls; and eventually, permission was granted for the sale of select children's stationery items in the designated kids' corner.

The event management firm later cited contractual obligations with sponsors as a challenge in discontinuing sales. They requested permission to inform sponsors about halting the sale of sanitary napkins, and in response, Bangla Academy Director General Dr Mohammad Azam signed a letter acknowledging the issue.

However, the Academy clarified that it did not issue the letter itself or receive any directive to halt the free distribution of sanitary napkins.

“We want to make it clear that Bangla Academy has no reservations about the promotion and use of sanitary napkins. The misrepresentation of our stance has turned a commercial issue into an unnecessary controversy; and as a goodwill gesture, we have instructed the event organizers to ensure that sanitary napkins remain available free of charge near the washrooms,” the statement added.

The Academy expressed regret over the confusion via the press statement and reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring uninterrupted access to essential hygiene products at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2025.