Shahid Qadri gets Mazharul Islam Poetry Award

Shahid Qadri -- considered one of the leading contemporary Bengali poets -- has received the Mazharul Islam Kobita Puroshkar (poetry award) 2012. The award was conferred on Qadri on June 12 at Poet Shamsur Rahman Seminar Hall, Bangla Academy in the city.

Bangla Academy confers the award in memory of its first director general, noted poet and folklorist Dr. Mazharul Islam.

On behalf of the poet, Professor Kaiser Haq (a close relative of Qadri) of Dhaka University received the award. Shahid Qadri, who lives in the USA, could not attend the ceremony due to ill health.

Professor Emeritus Anisuzzaman, president of Bangla Academy presided over the programme. Shamsuzzaman Khan, director general of the academy and Professor Mahmuda Islam, on behalf of Mazharul Islam's family, spoke on the occasion.

Haq received the award, a crest and a cheque worth Taka one lakh from Professor Anisuzzaman and Shamsuzzaman Khan.

Anisuzzaman said, “Mazharul Islam made a significant contribution to society as a poet, teacher and devoted organiser. He would always be remembered for his contribution to the field of folklore research.

Qadri's poems highlight our urban, contemporary life and our history of struggle. His verses are always refreshing.”

Earlier, poets Abul Hossain and Syed Shamsul Haq received the awards in 2010 and 2011 respectively.

Qadri was born in 1942. He brought in a touch of fresh air in the realm of Bengali poetry by introducing urbanism and a sense of modernity. His poetry is imbued with patriotism, cosmopolitanism and universalism.

His books include “Uttaradhikar”, “Tomake Abhibadan Priyotoma”, “Prem Biraha Bhalobasar Kabita”, “Kothayo Kono Krondon Nai” and “Aamar Chumbongullo Pouchhaya Dio”.