“Literature is one of the primary pillars for preserving a nation’s existence; it is a powerful and influential tool for shaping social consciousness. The works of rebel fiction writer Abdur Rouf Choudhury have become a voice of reality and resistance in our society. The new generation must advance this tradition of literary practice, as literature ultimately paves the way for a nation’s liberation”- This profound observation was made by eminent educationist, writer, and researcher Abul Kasem Fazlul Haq, President of Bangla Academy, while speaking as the Chief Guest at the birth anniversary celebration of Abdur Rouf Choudhury 2026, held on the afternoon of Saturday, 4 April, at the Chitrasala Auditorium of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy.
The program was organized under the chairmanship of fiction writer Shams Sayeed, Secretary General of the Abdur Rouf Choudhury Memorial Council. The event was inaugurated by poet Rezauddin Stalin, Director General of Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy. Hosted by actress and recitation artist Sifat Bannya, the program was attended by fiction writer Moni Haider as Special Guest. The event featured in-depth discussions on the life, works, and literary legacy of the rebel writer, a press release said.
At the event, a total of 16 distinguished individuals—both senior and emerging—were honored with the “Literary Award 2026,” “Memorial Honor 2026,” and “Projonmo Prantik Honor 2026” in recognition of their contributions to literature and culture. Under the supervision of poet Fakhrul Hasan, the awardees were presented with flowers, crests, honoraria, and ceremonial shawls.
This year’s “Literary Award 2026” was conferred upon renowned fiction writer Rafiqul Rashid and fiction writer-essayist Akimun Rahman. The “Memorial Honor 2026” for commemorative lectures on Abdur Rouf Choudhury’s works—Nazrul: Srijoner Andormohol, Rabindranath: Chir-Nutoner-e Dil Dak, Aniketon, and Ekti Jatike Hotta—was awarded respectively to poet and researcher Asadullah, poet and researcher Biren Mukharjee, poet-fiction writer and researcher Dr. Shafik Aftab, and poet, fiction writer, and Liberation War researcher Sohel Majhar.
The “Projonmo Prantik Honor 2026” was presented to young literary and cultural contributors in recognition of their notable achievements. The recipients include little magazine editor Apon Opu (Lakshmipur), library movement activist Alamgir Masud (Feni), short story writer Israt Jahan (Patuakhali), poet Kaniz Parijat (Faridpur), short story writer Kamrunnahar Dipa (Meherpur), novelist Rashed Rehman (Sirajganj), poet Shobdonil (Bagerhat), fiction writer Salah Uddin Mahmud (Madaripur), fiction writer Siddiqui Harun (Habiganj), and lyric poet Sirajia Parvez (Satkhira).
