Poet Mohon Raihan's Bangla Academy Literary Award postponed

Poet Mohon Raihan, who had been nominated and announced as the recipient of the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2025 in the poetry category, did not receive the honour during the ceremony held this afternoon. 

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the awards to the other winners at the event marking the inauguration of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair 2026.

The Bangla Academy had publicly announced the 2025 award recipients last Monday via a press release, confirming Mohon Raihan's selection for poetry based on the recommendations of its nominating and award committees. 

However, following the emergence of certain complaints and allegations against the poet—particularly linked to his poem "Taherer Swapna" (Taher's Dream), written 41 years ago about Colonel Abu Taher—the decision was made to withhold the award pending further review.

In a Facebook post shared on Thursday afternoon, Mohon Raihan expressed surprise and disappointment over the development. 

He noted that he had not anticipated or lobbied for the award, emphasising that the selection appeared spontaneous on the committee's part.

 He recounted attending the ceremony as instructed, including a prior rehearsal organised by the authorities, only to discover upon arrival that his award had been cancelled due to interventions by a group that raised objections over the old poem, influencing the Prime Minister's office.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury addressed the matter by stating that multiple allegations exist against Mohon Raihan, and the award—initially nominated under the previous government—would be re-evaluated after thorough examination. 

He declined to elaborate on the nature of the allegations, citing the ongoing investigation.

State Minister for Culture Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam echoed this, mentioning numerous complaints that prompted the temporary withholding of the award. 

He described the situation as a short-term issue, suggesting a final decision could come soon, possibly within a day or two, after the complaints are properly assessed. 

He clarified that the ministry does not handle nominations, which remain the Bangla Academy's responsibility, and stressed that this is merely an interim review.

Bangla Academy Director General Mohammad Azam confirmed that the authorities had temporarily suspended the award to Mohon Raihan following complaints related to his poetry and writings. 

He assured that the matter would be examined promptly, with an update provided once the review concludes.

Mohon Raihan currently serves as the president of the National Poetry Council. The controversy has drawn attention to the last-minute nature of the reversal, despite the formal announcement and the poet's preparation to accept the prestigious recognition.