Poet Mohon Raihan's Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 in poetry was withheld at the last minute due to unspecified allegations, despite his initial nomination. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented awards to other recipients during the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026 at Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka. Officials stated the matter is under investigation, with a decision pending.
The Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 ceremony took place on Thursday at the Bangla Academy premises in Dhaka, coinciding with the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over the awards to recipients in categories including poetry, fiction, essays, children's literature, translation, research, science, and Liberation War literature. Sources reported eight or nine honorees received the award, with names such as Mohan Roy for poetry, Nasima Anis for fiction, Syed Azizul Haque for essays, Hasan Hafiz for children's literature, Ali Ahmad for translation, Mustafa Majid and Israil Khan for research, Farseem Mannan Mohammedy for science, and Moidul Hasan for Liberation War works.
Poet Mohon Raihan, initially nominated in the poetry category and announced on February 23, did not receive the award. He learned of the decision upon arriving at the ceremony, after attending a rehearsal the previous day. In a Facebook post, Raihan stated, “I absolutely did not expect this award. I didn’t lobby anyone for the award. The award committee spontaneously selected me.” He alleged the cancellation stemmed from objections to his poem “Taher's Dream,” written 41 years ago about Colonel Abu Taher, raised through Prime Minister Tarique Rahman by a faction.
Cultural Minister Nitai Ray Chowdhury told Prothom Alo, “There are quite a few allegations against Mohon Raihan. We will investigate these issues and then announce the award again.” State Minister for Culture Ali Nawaz Mahmood Khayyam added, “There are many allegations against Mohon Raihan. Therefore, he has not been awarded for the time being. We are verifying the allegations.” Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam confirmed, “Due to some allegations regarding Mohon Raihan's poetry and writings, the authority has temporarily suspended the award to examine these allegations.” Officials declined to specify the allegations, citing an ongoing investigation.
The development has prompted discussions in literary circles about award autonomy and political themes in literature. The Bangla Academy Literary Award, introduced in 1960, recognizes contributions to Bangla literature and is presented annually. The book fair, themed “Multidimensional Bangladesh,” runs until March 15 with 549 publishing houses participating.