Dhaka: The incumbent government has decided to confer the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2026 on Poet Mohon Raihan on March 2 (Monday). A press release from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs confirmed it this afternoon. The award ceremony will take place on the Bangla Academy premises in the capital at 11:00 am.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the government reached the decision to award Mohon Raihan after completing a review of allegations that had been raised against him. Following the initial announcement of the award, criticisms emerged in newspapers and on social media, leading to a temporary suspension of the award decision and an immediate review process.
An emergency meeting was held on February 27, attended by the Minister, State Minister, and Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, to examine the allegations in detail. After a thorough review, the meeting concluded-with the consent of the Prime Minister-to proceed with awarding Raihan the 2026 Bangla Academy Literary Award. The award will be officially presented to the poet on March 2, 2026, at the Bangla Academy.