Humayun Ahmed Sahitya Puroshkar 2018 held at Bangla Academy

The Exim Bank- Anyadin Humayun Ahmed Sahitya Puroshkar 2018 was handed over to the winners at the ASKB auditorium of Bangla Academy yesterday.

Named after the legendary litterateur of Bangla Literature, Humayun Ahmed, the award is received by one senior and one upcoming writer every year since 2015. This year, eminent novelist Rizia Rahman received the award for her contribution in Bangla literature. The Young Writer Award was received by Fatema Rumi for her book Shanjhbela.

Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith graced the programme as the chief guest. Asaduzzaman Noor, Minister of Cultural Affairs of the Government of Bangladesh, was also present as the special guest of the programme along with Deputy Managing Director of Exim Bank Md Sirajul Islam and Executive Editor of Anyadin Mazharul Islam and wife of Humayun Ahmed, Meher Afroz Shaon.

The programme began with the presentation of two Tagore songs -- Majhe Majhe Tabo Dekha Pai and Aj Jothsna Raate Shobai Geche Bone by noted Ranbindra Sangeet exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, followed by an audiovisual of the previous award ceremonies.

Rezwana Choudhury Bannya performing at the event.

Meher Afroz Shaon, during her speech, spoke about Humayun Ahmed and his journey as a writer. “A writer's journey is fulfilled when an award is named after him,” she said. She also congratulated the awardees.

Fatema Rumi, upon receiving her award said, “Although Humayun sir is not with us anymore, I feel his presence through this award. I truly feel blessed!”

Along with a certificate and a crest, the winners also received cheques of 5 lakh and 1 lakh respectively. In 2015, the awards were presented to Shawkat Ali and Sadia Mahzabin. In 2016, Hasan Azizul Huq and Shakrito Noman were awarded, while Jyoti Prakash Dutta and Muzaffar Hussain were awarded in 2017.