The 2025 Bangla Academy Literary Award has ignited intense debate within the country, centred on the poetry category. Poet Mohon Raihan was initially announced as the winner, but the award was subsequently withheld. The incident has raised questions about the Academy’s autonomy, administrative transparency, and decision-making processes. Although Bangla Academy is constitutionally recognised as an autonomous institution, such controversies threaten to undermine public confidence in its impartiality.
This is not the first time the awards have been mired in dispute. In 2024, the awards in the Liberation War-themed literature category and children’s literature were initially announced for Mohammad Hannan and Faruk Nowaz, respectively, only to be later rescinded. That same year, acclaimed novelist Selim Morshed returned his award, citing procedural inconsistencies.
Speaking on the matter, Mohon Raihan stated, “There is no question of accepting the award. The manner in which I was treated was inhumane. I never sought this recognition.” Despite being invited to the award ceremony, he was reportedly instructed not to attend. The Ministry of Culture confirmed that “certain allegations concerning Mohon Raihan are under investigation. No final decision will be made until these matters are thoroughly verified.”
Professor Mohammad Azam, Director General of Bangla Academy, added, “No conclusive decision has been reached at this stage. Any final determination will be publicly announced.”
Historical Controversies
Since its establishment in 1960, the Bangla Academy Literary Award has faced several disputes. Key instances are summarised below:
| Year | Category | Nominee / Recipient | Cause of Controversy | Outcome / Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1972 | Essay | Badruddin Umar | Rejected on ideological grounds | Award cancelled |
| 1982 | Drama | Mamunur Rashid | Rejected due to authoritarian influence | Award cancelled |
| 2017 | Translation | Niyaz Zaman | Political reasons; absent at ceremony | Award later delivered at home |
| 2024 | Novel | Zakir Talukdar | Political influence | Award returned |
| 2025 | Poetry | Mohon Raihan | Formally withheld | Controversy ongoing |
Award Selection Process
According to Bangla Academy regulations, the Executive Council forms a 30-member nomination committee, which submits candidates’ names to the Director General by 15 January each year. The Director General then establishes a seven-member award committee to determine the final shortlist. While the Executive Council can withdraw nominees “for valid reasons,” it cannot add new candidates.
Prominent writers and academics have warned that governmental or ministerial interference could compromise the award process and damage the Academy’s autonomy and credibility. Professor Samina Lutfa of Dhaka University commented, “It is the Academy’s responsibility to protect the independence of poets and artists. The government must respect that autonomy.”
Mohon Raihan has indicated his intention to hold a press conference to provide a full account of the incident and hopes for a formal apology from Bangla Academy.
Observers suggest that this episode will serve as a critical lesson on the importance of transparency, fairness, and institutional independence for writers, artists, and cultural organisations alike.