Hasnat Abdul Hai, Nahida Nahid named winners

Commemorating popular author Humayun Ahmed, the Exim Bank - Anyadin Humayun Ahmed Sahitya Puroshkar 2020 was held at the ASKB Auditorium of Bangla Academy yesterday.

This year, veteran writer and critic Hasnat Abdul Hai was awarded the prize for his contribution to Bangladeshi literature, while young Nahida Nahid received the award in the up and coming writer (under-40) category.

Nahida Nahid won the award for her book "Purushpath".

The programme is held every year on November 12 – the day before Humayun's birthday. This was the sixth iteration of the award programme.

State Minister for Cultural Affairs AKM Khalid served as the chief guest at the ceremony, while Asaduzzaman Noor MP presided over it.

The programme began with a one-minute silence to honour the memory of late Prof Anisuzzaman, who served as the chief panelist for the awards for the last five years. A documentary made to commemorate his life was shown afterwards.

Among others, Anyadin editor Mazharul Islam, Exim Bank managing director Dr Mohammed Haider Ali Mia, and popular actress, producer, and singer Meher Afroz Shaon also spoke at the event.

As part of the programme, Hasnat Abdul Hai is set to receive Tk 5 lakh, while Nahida Nahid will receive Tk 1 lakh.