The Bangladeshi government has decided to confer the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 on poet Mohon Raihan after suspending it amid complaints about his writings. The award, initially announced for poetry, was withheld during the February 26 ceremony but will now be presented on March 2 following a review. Raihan plans to announce whether he accepts it at a press conference.
Bangla Academy announced the 2025 Literary Award recipients earlier this month, naming poet Mohon Raihan for poetry among ten winners. On February 26, 2026, at the opening of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented awards to nine recipients, including Mohan Roy for poetry in some reports, but Raihan's name was omitted due to last-minute suspension.
Raihan arrived at the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka for the ceremony, having been contacted by the Special Security Force and attended a rehearsal the previous day. He learned upon arrival that his award had been withdrawn, with no prior indication of the change. Raihan alleged that a group approached the Prime Minister objecting to his poem 'Taherer Shopno' or 'Taherer Swapna', written 40 or 41 years ago about Colonel Abu Taher. He stated, “I did not expect this award at all. I did not lobby anyone for it. The award committee selected me spontaneously.”
Criticism surfaced in newspapers and on social media following the announcement and suspension. State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam told Prothom Alo, “There are numerous allegations against Mohon Raihan. Therefore, the award has been withheld for now.” The Ministry of Cultural Affairs held an emergency meeting on February 27, attended by the minister, state minister, and secretary, to review the complaints. With Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's consent, the meeting decided to proceed with the award.
A press release from the ministry on February 28 confirmed the award will be presented to Raihan on March 2, 2026, at 11:00 am at Bangla Academy in Dhaka. Raihan said he would decide on acceptance after consulting the National Poetry Council committee, where he serves as president, and announce it at a press conference at the Press Club on Sunday at 11:00 am.
The Bangla Academy Literary Award recognizes outstanding contributions to Bengali literature.
