Poet Mohon Raihan to announce whether he will accept award at press conference

The government has already decided to award poet Mohon Raihan the previously suspended Bangla Academy Literary Award. However, he will announce whether he will accept the prize at a press conference on Sunday.

A few days ago, Bangla Academy announced the names of this year's literary award recipients. Mohon Raihan was named for the award in the poetry category. He was present at the inauguration ceremony of the Amar Ekushey Book Fair.

However, his name was not announced when the awards were presented on stage. He later left the ceremony without accepting the award.

Mohon Raihan alleged that he was not allowed to receive the award because of a poem titled 'Taherer Shopno' written 40 years ago.

Following criticism over the matter, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs issued a press release on Saturday stating that the award would be presented to Mohon Raihan on Monday.

Mohon Raihan told the media, "I will decide in the afternoon whether to accept the award. I will announce at a press conference at the Press Club at 11 am on Sunday whether I will accept the award. I will not say anything about this matter now."

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs said the award presentation was temporarily suspended after criticism in various newspapers and social media following the announcement. Allegations were reviewed at an emergency meeting at the ministry on Friday.

After reviewing the allegations, with the Prime Minister's consent, a decision was made to award Mohon Raihan the Bangla Academy Literary Award 2026. The award will be presented to the poet at Bangla Academy at 11 am on Monday.