39 get Shishu Sahitya Puraskar

A total of 39 writers and artists yesterday received Agrani Bank-Bangladesh Shishu Academy Shishu Sahitya Puraskar for their contribution to children's literature.

The awardees include Imdadul Haq Milon, Shyamoli Nasreen Chowdhury and Dr Ali Asgar. Agrani Bank Limited and Bangladesh Shishu Academy (BSA) jointly organised the prestigious award ceremony at BSA's auditorium in the capital.

Based on children's literature, the award was given in seven categories -- rhyme-poetry-song, story-novel-mythology, health-science-technology, acting, documentary and filmmaking, biography-essay, translation-travelogue, health-science-technology, photography and cover illustration.

“Since 1981, the award has been conferred on deserving litterateurs every year, but due to unforeseeable reasons it was halted for last 6 years since 2012,” said Managing Director of Agrani Bank Limited Md Sams-Ul Islam at the award giving ceremony.

The winners received a citation, crest and Tk 15,000 each.

Speaking as the chief guest, Finance Minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith said that composing literature for children requires very creative mind and love for children.

He congratulated the awardees and urged them to keep writing good literary items for children.

Presiding over the programme, Chairman of BSA Selina Hossain said, “Writers are illuminating the children's mind through their write-ups and this award is to recognise their contribution.”

Director of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Anjir Liton and State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Meher Afroze Chumki were also present at the programme.