ATN Bangla, a private broadcaster, has restarted its special literary talk show “Kobi Bari” in celebration of the ongoing Amar Ekushey Book Fair. The show features discussions with notable figures from Bangladesh’s cultural and creative communities.
The Amar Ekushey Book Fair, the nation’s largest annual literary event organized by Bangla Academy, typically commences on February 1 and continues throughout the month, often stretching into early March. However, the 2026 edition was rescheduled to start on February 26 due to the 13th national elections, following adjustments to the previously proposed late February dates. The fair officially opened on Thursday.
Hosted and conceptualized by poet and media personality Asad Kajol, “Kobi Bari” has been a regular feature during the book fair in recent years. This year’s series is planned to be broadcast daily until March 15.
The inaugural episode showcases Ferdous Ara, a Rabindra Sangeet singer, discussing the cultural significance of Ekushey and the enduring link between music, language, and literature in Bangladesh.
This episode is scheduled to air today (Friday) at 2 pm, with subsequent episodes airing daily at the same time on ATN News throughout the fair.
According to the organizers, “Kobi Bari” frequently welcomes poets, writers, filmmakers, actors, musicians, and public intellectuals, providing a platform for conversations on literature and contemporary culture.
Previous guests have included actor Sohel Rana, actor and road-safety advocate Ilias Kanchan, novelist Imdadul Haq Milan, writer Anisul Hoque, novelist Selina Hossain, the late academic Syed Manzoorul Islam, and actor Dilara Zaman, among others.
Commenting on the show, Kajol described it as a well-thought-out initiative that has been developed through consistent effort. “It is a project I have long envisioned. With diverse topics and a broad spectrum of guests, the show has gradually garnered audience interest,” he shared.
