After weeks of public debate and controversy, the Bangla Academy Literature Award 2025 will finally be conferred upon the renowned poet Mohon Rayhan. Initially nominated alongside nine other literary figures, Rayhan’s award had been postponed amid allegations and public scrutiny, sparking widespread discussion across media and social platforms. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs has now confirmed that the award will be presented to him on 2 March 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at the Bangla Academy in Dhaka.
Background of Controversy
Mohon Rayhan, a celebrated poet and currently President of the National Poetry Council, was among ten nominees for the 2025 Bangla Academy Literature Award. While the other nine recipients received their awards on the designated day, Rayhan’s presentation was deferred. At the time, the newly appointed Minister of Cultural Affairs, Nitai Roy Chowdhury, stated that several complaints had been lodged against the poet and that a thorough review was necessary before finalising the award.
The postponement generated significant criticism in both print and social media, with literary circles calling for transparency and fairness. The Ministry subsequently convened an urgent review meeting on 27 February 2026, attended by the Minister, State Minister, and Secretary of the Ministry.
Decision and Upcoming Ceremony
Following the review, the Ministry announced that the allegations had been examined and cleared. With the approval of Prime Minister Tarek Rahman, the award will now be officially presented to Mohon Rayhan. The event will take place at the Bangla Academy, which operates under the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, and is expected to be attended by prominent literary figures and government officials.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Award Recipient | Mohon Rayhan |
| Award Name | Bangla Academy Literature Award 2025 |
| Presentation Date | 2 March 2026 |
| Time | 11:00 a.m. |
| Venue | Bangla Academy, Dhaka |
| Oversight Authority | Ministry of Cultural Affairs |
| Prime Minister’s Approval | Tarek Rahman |
Reactions
Responding to the announcement, Mohon Rayhan told our representative, “Whether I will accept the award will be decided after the central committee meeting of the National Poetry Council later today.” The poet is expected to provide a formal response following this meeting, scheduled for the afternoon of 2 March.
The decision marks a significant resolution to a high-profile debate in Bangladesh’s literary community. Observers note that the Ministry’s final decision reinforces both the credibility of the Bangla Academy awards and the importance of ensuring due process in evaluating literary contributions.
With the ceremony approaching, anticipation is high among writers, poets, and cultural activists who view the award as a long-overdue recognition of Mohon Rayhan’s decades of contribution to Bengali literature. The Ministry’s announcement has also been shared on its official Facebook page, underscoring its transparency and commitment to resolving the issue promptly.