Maleka Begum gets literary award

Noted essay writer and researcher Maleka Begum being presented with Ananya Sahitya Purashkar-1418 by Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University Dr Anisuzzaman at Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum in the city yesterday. On her right are Ananya Editor Tasmima Hossain and ICCR, India Vice President Prof Bharati Ray.Photo: STAR

Noted essay writer and researcher Maleka Begum yesterday received Ananya Sahitya Purashkar-1418 for her contribution to literature.
Professor Emeritus of Dhaka University Dr Anisuzzaman formally handed over a crest and Tk 50,000 as prize money to her at Poet Sufia Kamal Auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum.
Her name was announced for the award in April last year.
Ananya, a fortnightly magazine, has been conferring the award in recognition of special contributions of women to literature since 1401 of Bangla calendar year.
Maleka Begum, a part-time teacher at the women and gender studies department of Dhaka University, donated the prize money to the department for establishing a "Rokeya Charcha Kendra" (centre for studies on Begum Rokeya).
An activist of women’s rights movements, Maleka Begum always considers women’s issues as her topic of research and writing. She has authored at least 30 books.
Prof Anisuzzaman hoped that Maleka Begum would continue her writing, explore new areas, and contribute further to literature.
Prof Bharati Ray, vice-president of ICCR, India, DU's Prof Dr Biswajit Ghosh, Ananya Editor Tasmima Hossain, among others, also spoke at the programme.