Although nominated for the Bangla Academy Literary Award in poetry this year, poet Mohon Raihan’s award has been withheld by the Academy without prior notice.
The Academy released the list of award winners on February 23, which included Raihan’s name in the poetry category. However, Raihan did not receive the award due to allegations against him, leading to a sudden review as confirmed by officials and the poet himself to various media outlets. Raihan shared the news on Facebook, expressing surprise at the decision, emphasizing that he did not seek the award through lobbying and that the committee selected him independently.
State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam mentioned that several complaints had been lodged against Raihan, prompting the temporary withholding of the award. He stated that the authorities are currently investigating the allegations and will make a final decision following the review.
Despite the controversy, the awards ceremony proceeded at Bangla Academy in Dhaka, with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman honoring other recipients with the 2025 Bangla Academy Literary Awards. Raihan, who currently heads the Jatiya Kobita Parishad (National Poetry Council), linked the award withholding to a poem he wrote 41 years ago titled “Taher er Shopno” (Taher’s Dream), which focuses on Colonel Abu Taher.
When questioned about the perceived disrespect to the recipient, Khaiyam clarified that the nominations are solely decided by Bangla Academy independently. He assured that this is a temporary situation and a revised decision may be forthcoming in the coming days.
The Bangla Academy Literary Award is a highly esteemed state recognition in Bangladesh for literary contributions, traditionally awarded during the Ekushey observances in February, commemorating the Language Movement of 1952. The recent events have sparked discussions within literary and cultural circles regarding the independence of award committees and the exploration of historical and political themes in literature.
