Gantha honours Selina Hossain

From left: Dr. Niaz Zaman, Jahanara Nowshin and writer Selina Hossain at the reception.

Gantha, a literary organisation, accorded a reception on June 2 to noted writer Selina Hossain for receiving the honorary D.Lit degree from Rabindra Bharati University. The reception was held at Bengal Café, Dhanmondi in Dhaka.
Hossain received the degree and a lifetime achievement award from Rabindra Bharati on May 8 this year. Previous Bangladeshi recipients of the award include poet Jasim Uddin, Dr. Ahmed Sharif, poet Shamsur Rahman and Professor Anisuzzaman.
Selina Hossain has been writing for over four decades. One of the leading writers of Bangladesh, Hossain was born on June 14, 1947 in Rajshahi. Her first book, a collection of short stories, came out in 1969. She has written more than 60 books so far.
Dr. Niaz Zaman, founder of Gantha, said, “Gantha was formed in 2007 with the objective of promoting female writers of Bangladesh. The organisation holds meetings and discussions on current trends in Bangla fiction, poetry, short story and other genres of creative writing. The members get together once a month.”
Selina Hossain said, “I'm elated to receive this honour. This will encourage me to be more devoted to my work. My writings have been included in the syllabus of Indian universities, including Rabindra Bharati, Jadavpore and Guwahati.”
India Institute of Planning and Management has introduced the Rabindra Memorial Award this year, and Selina Hossain is the first recipient of the award.
Noted writer Jahanara Nowshin said, “Selina's style is unique. Her writings are research based. She visits places to research for the themes of her stories. She is bold and outspoken.”
Veteran literary critic Shahrukh Rahman said, “Selina has carved a niche for herself in the Bangladeshi literary arena. The style, structure, length and psychological subtlety of her stories have made her popular with readers throughout the country.”