The Abdur Rouf Choudhury Literary Award 2026 presentation ceremony was held on 4 April at the Chitrasala Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, commemorating the birth anniversary of the acclaimed rebel fiction writer, Abdur Rouf Choudhury.
The event, which celebrated Choudhury’s immense contribution to literature, was attended by prominent literary and cultural figures. Abul Kasem Fazlul Haq, the President of Bangla Academy, delivered the keynote address.
In his speech, Fazlul Haq emphasised the pivotal role literature plays in shaping social consciousness, stating, “Literature is one of the primary pillars for preserving a nation’s existence; it is a powerful and influential tool for shaping social consciousness.”
He encouraged the younger generation to carry forward the literary tradition, which has been a driving force behind the nation’s struggle for liberation.
The ceremony was chaired by Shams Sayeed, Secretary General of the Abdur Rouf Choudhury Memorial Council.
Poet Rezauddin Stalin, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy, officially inaugurated the program, which was hosted by actress and recitation artist Sifat Bannya. Fiction writer Moni Haider also participated as a Special Guest.
During the event, a total of 16 distinguished individuals were recognised for their contributions to literature and culture. The “Literary Award 2026” was presented to renowned fiction writers Rafiqul Rashid and Akimun Rahman for their outstanding work.
The “Memorial Honor 2026” was awarded to Asadullah, Biren Mukharjee, Shafik Aftab, and Sohel Majhar for their scholarly research and lectures on Choudhury’s literary contributions.
The “Projonmo Prantik Honor 2026” was given to emerging literary and cultural figures, acknowledging their exceptional talent and achievements. Among the recipients were little magazine editor Apon Opu, library movement activist Alamgir Masud, short story writer Israt Jahan, poet Kaniz Parijat, and short story writer Kamrunnahar Dipa.
Other honorees included novelist Rashed Rehman, poet Shobdonil, fiction writers Salah Uddin Mahmud and Siddiqui Harun, and lyric poet Sirajia Parvez.
The event concluded with a powerful tribute to Abdur Rouf Choudhury’s enduring literary legacy, highlighting the lasting impact of his work on future generations of writers and thinkers. The ceremony reaffirmed the literary community’s commitment to preserving and advancing the traditions that Choudhury championed.
