Abul Hossain receives Mazharul Islam Poetry Award

Sohel Reza, son of Abul Hossain, receives the award from the Education Minister (3rd from right).

Considered one of the pioneers of modern Bangla poetry, Abul Hossain received the first Mazharul Islam Kobita Puroshkar (poetry award) 2010. The award was conferred on September 21 at Seminar Hall, Bangla Academy.
Bangla Academy conferred the award for the first time in memory of the first Director General of the academy, noted poet and folklorist Dr. Mazharul Islam, in association with his family.
Education Minister Nurul Islam Nahid was present as chief guest at the award giving ceremony. National Professor Kabir Chowdhury presided over the function. Director General of Bangla Academy, Shamsuzzaman Khan; brother of the late Mazharul Islam, Dr. ABM Abdul Halim; Mazharul Islam's daughter and Principal of Badrunnesa College, Marina Jahan Kobita and poet Abul Hossain's son Sohel Reza Khaled Hossain spoke on the occasion. Lawmaker Chayan Islam, son of Mazharul Islam, was also present.
Poet Abul Hossain could not attend the event, as he is unwell. His son Sohel Reza received the award, a crest and a cheque worth Taka one lakh, on his behalf, from the Education Minister.
Remembering the contribution of Dr. Mazharul Islam during the Liberation War, Nahid said, “Islam was a politically aware individual and raised his voice against the Pakistani atrocity on Bengalis. He was truly a liberal and secular person.”
About the award recipient, the minister said, “Hossain has enriched our literature since 1940 and Bangla Academy has taken the correct decision to honour him with the first Mazharul Islam Kobita Puroshkar.”
Shamsuzzaman Khan said, “Mazharul Islam made a significant contribution to the society as a poet, teacher and devoted organiser.”
Kabir Chowdhury said, “Islam would be remembered for his contribution to the field of folklore research.”
“Abul Hossain is one of the major Bengali poets of the early '40s. He is multitalented and has written on many contemporary issues,” Chowdhury added.
Poet Abul Hossain was born at Doyara village in Khulna district in 1922. He started writing poetry in the early '40s of the last century. He was one of those few Muslim poets who brought about modern trends in Bengali poetry. His style and tone are unique. His poetry zooms in on the Bengali culture, romanticism, patriotism, nature and Liberation War. Hossain's other literary works include essays on art, culture and social life, translations and autobiography. He took journalism as his first profession in Calcutta (now Kolkata). He worked with the Bulbul and Nabajug literary journals.
Besides writing, Hossain served in different local and foreign organisations in various posts. He has 30 books to his credit. His poetry books include “Birash Sanglap”, “Sab Bashanta”, “Hawa Tomar Ki Dushshahash” and “Dushs-wapna Theke Dushswapna”.
The poet has been honoured with many awards, including Ekushey Padak, Bangla Academy Award, Padabali Award and Nasiruddin Gold Medal.