Poet Mohon Raihan wants to receive Bangla Academy award from PM

He says he chooses ‘unity over division’ and asks that the prize money be used to support struggling writers

Poet Mohon Raihan has said he will accept the Bangla Academy Literary Award following days of controversy after the government temporarily put on hold its decision to confer the award on him and later reversed that move.

Speaking at a press conference at the National Press Club on Sunday, Raihan said he decided to accept the award “in the broader interest” of the country and in respect of the government’s final decision.

“I know there will be debate over the decision. Even then I believe it’s our duty to choose unity over division, wisdom over revenge and dignity over insult,” he said.

The cultural affairs ministry earlier announced that the award would be conferred on Raihan with the approval of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, after it had initially been withheld at the ceremony. The suspension reportedly followed objections over a poem he wrote more than four decades ago, prompting criticism and debate in cultural circles.

Raihan said he had not sought the award.

“I was never an aspirant for this award. I made no lobbying or effort for it. The Bangla Academy nominated me on its own initiative,” he said.

He alleged that after his name was announced, “false, fabricated and baseless allegations” were circulated against him on social media. He also claimed that a statement opposing his award was issued in the names of several writers and journalists, some of whom later denied involvement.

The poet described the last-minute suspension at the award ceremony as “distressing and confusing”.

“I was present there, yet while others were called, I was not. This behaviour is not only a personal insult—it is a blow to free thought,” he said.

The controversy sparked reactions at home and abroad, with commentators questioning whether cultural awards were being influenced by political considerations.

Raihan said the central committee of the Jatiya Kabita Parishad held discussions on the matter, where opinions were divided. Some favoured accepting the award to avoid “yielding to conspiracy”, while others believed rejecting it would be a stronger moral stance.

After reflection, he chose to accept it.

“At the twilight of my life, it was only a modest expectation of recognition and honour that led me there,” he said.

Raihan also announced that he would not personally accept the prize money, requesting that it instead be given to a financially struggling poet, writer or cultural activist.

He said he wished to receive the award from the prime minister in keeping with tradition.

“If necessary, the date may be changed but the process should be dignified,” he added.

Calling for reforms, Raihan urged the authorities to introduce a transparent, non-partisan and expert-driven process for selecting award recipients to prevent similar controversies in the future.