Writers Shawkat Ali, Sadia Mahjabin Imam awarded

Prominent writer Shawkat Ali and young writer Sadia Mahjabin Imam, 33, were awarded by fortnightly magazine Anyadin   and Exim Bank Limited yesterday on the 67th birthday of celebrated litterateur Humayun Ahmed.

Both writers received crests, certificates, flower bouquets and ceremonial scarfs.

Ali, whose first story collection was published in 1963 and became quite popular for his novel 'Prodoshe Prakritojon', received Tk 5lakh while Mahjabin, received Tk 1 lakh for her work published between January and December in 2014, in the under-35 writers category. 

Prof Emeritus Anisuzzaman, president of the jury board, Cultural Affiars Minister Asaduzzaman Noor, Anyadin Editor Mazharul Islam and Mohammad Haider Ali Mia, Managing Director of Exim Bank Ltd handed over the awards to them.

Humayun Ahmed's family members Prof Muhammad Zafar Iqbal and Meher Afroze Shaon reminisced about Humayun who had kept Bengali readers enthralled for more than three decades.

Prof Shamsuzzaman Khan, director of Bangla Academy, spoke at the programme, while writers and jury members Purabi Basu and Hayat Mamud read out praise notes on the awardees. 

Meanwhile, family, friends and peers will celebrate the birthday of this eminent  novelist today in Nuhash Polli of Gazipur and also at his residence in the capital's  Dhanmondi. 

Bulbul Ahmed, manager of Nuhash Polli, said a mural of Humayun Ahmed   will be unveiled in his memory in the Polli today.