February 15 marked the 6th death anniversary of renowned poet Al Mahmud, famous for his work "Sonali Kabin." The Al Mahmud Research Center and Memorial Council in Brahmanbaria organized a three-day commemorative festival. The event was held at Niaz Muhammad High School field, inaugurated by former mayor Hafizur Rahman Molla Kochi. The program commenced with a visit to the poet’s grave and prayers. Poets, literary figures, locals, and organizers participated in the event.

Regarding the photo session where awardees were asked to stand behind the others at the Bangla Academy award ceremony, Salimullah Khan said, “People are asking, why did you take the award? After receiving the award, they are insulting me.” After the photo session, where the awardees were made to stand behind others, the picture went viral, sparking intense criticism on social media. In response to this, Salimullah Khan further stated, “If the Bangla Academy doesn’t know how to show respect, then what should we do?” Regarding the practice of seating students in front and standing behind, he remarked, “If the Bangla Academy doesn’t show respect to people, should we revolt against them?” These remarks were made by him at the closing ceremony of the National Poetry Festival, calling for the abolition of such practices and slavery.

Chief Advisor Mohammad Yunus presented the Bangla Academy Literary Awards to seven distinguished writers at the Amar Ekushey Book Fair today. The event was presided over by Bangla Academy President Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, with Cultural Advisor Mustafa Sarwar Farooki also in attendance. Initially, ten writers were listed, but following criticism, the awards for Abdul Hannan and Faruk Nawaz were canceled, while Selis Morshed declined the award. The final awardees were Masud Khan, Shubhashis Sinha, Salimullah Khan, G. H. Habib, Muhammad Shahjahan Mia, Rezaur Rahman, and Syed Jamil Ahmed.