Seven writers receive Bangla Academy Literary Award

Controversy over selection process ends as the interim government chief hands out the honour

The announcement of the awardees had sparked controversy, leading to a suspension and a revised list. But, after much talk, seven writers have finally received the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2024.

The awards were presented by Chief Advisor Muhammad Yunus at the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair on Saturday afternoon.

Also present were Cultural Advisor Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Bangla Academy President Prof Abul Kashem Fazlul Haq, and Director General Prof Mohammad Azam, who delivered the welcome speech.

Initially, on Jan 23, the academy announced ten winners, including playwright Syed Jamil Ahmed and essayist Salimullah Khan.

However, amid allegations against certain awardees, the decision was suspended on Jan 25.

Later, on Jan 29, the academy’s executive council finalised the list, featuring seven awardees, down from the initial 10.

Following the suspension, writer Selim Morshed, initially selected in the fiction category, rejected the award.

Meanwhile, the academy scrapped awards for Faruk Nawaz in children’s literature and Mohammed Hannan in liberation war literature.

This year’s winners include Masud Khan in poetry, Subhashis Sinha in drama and theatre, Salimullah Khan in essays and prose, GH Habib in translation, Muhammad Shahjahan Mia in research, Rezaur Rahman in science, and Syed Jamil Ahmed in folklore.

Each recipient has been awarded a Tk 300,000 cheque, a certificate of honour, and a commemorative crest.