‘Kali O Kalam’ awards honour four young writers

49 MIN(s)

Anika Tahsin Hafsa

‘Kali O Kalam’ awards honour four young writers

Photos: Sheikh Mehedi Morshed

Four young writers were honoured at the City Bank “Kali O Kalam Torun Kobi O Lekhok Puroshkar 2025” at Bengal Shilpalay in Dhanmondi today.

The ceremony began with a welcome address and a note of thanks, followed by a documentary on the journey of “Kali O Kalam”, the monthly literary, art and cultural magazine.

The programme was hosted by Bengal Foundation Director General Luva Nahid Choudhury. Prominent novelist Hasnat Abdul Hye attended as the chief guest, while renowned essayist and researcher Professor Abul Ahsan Chowdhury was present as the special guest. City Bank Managing Director and CEO Mashrur Arefin also attended the event.

Writer Imdadul Haq Milan announced the names of this year’s award recipients. Hamim Kamal received the award in the fiction category for his book “Tristan”. Rafat Alam was recognised in the essay and research category for “Bangladesh Patth”. Ranak Zaman won in the poetry category for “Ei Gram Kuriye Peyechi”, while The Daily Star journalist and children’s author Robiul Kamol received the award in the children’s literature category for “Dosshu O Dui Duronto”.

The four awardees later took the stage and shared their thoughts on their work and the recognition. They were also presented with flowers. Each awardee received a cheque of Tk 2 lakh and a crest.

Speaking at the event, Mashrur Arefin highlighted City Bank’s involvement in the award as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives. He stressed the importance of supporting literature and said that relatively few people and organisations are working in this field. He also praised “Kali O Kalam” for its continued efforts to promote literature and encourage young writers.

Professor Abul Ahsan Chowdhury then spoke about the history and significance of Muslim Sahitya Samaj, the historic organisation associated with the intellectual movement for the liberation of the mind.

Writer Hasnat also discussed the importance of the different award categories and suggested adding travel writing to the list. He noted that many women are now travelling across the world and producing travel literature, making the category relevant to contemporary literary practice.

The programme concluded with a special musical presentation marking the centenary of Muslim Sahitya Samaj. Noted artiste Priyanka Gope performed several historic songs associated with gatherings of the organisation.

Since its introduction in 2008, the annual award has sought to encourage young poets and writers in Bangladesh and support their creative pursuits. With this year’s four recipients, 75 young writers have now received the award.