Five young writers and poets received the prestigious ‘Kali O Kalam Tarun Kabi O Lekhak Purushkar 2017’ (Kali O Kalam Young Poets and Literature Awards) in five categories at an award ceremony held at the main auditorium of Bangladesh National Museum in the capital on Sunday. The categories included— poetry, fiction, essay-play-research, Liberation War-related research and essay and children’s literature.
This year, the awards were given to Nowshad Jamil for his poetry book titled ‘Dhew-er Bhetor Dabanal’, Rafiq Hariri for his book ‘Phulbanu O Annanya Galpo’ in the fiction category, while Tushar Kabir received the award for his book ‘Kuthurir Swar’ in the category of essay-play-research.
On the other hand, Hasan Iqbal got the award in the Liberation War-related research category for his work ‘Bhat Kabitay Muktijuddho’ and Shariful Hasan received the award for his work ‘Adbhuture Boighar’ in the children’s literature category. Each of the award winners received a crest, a certificate and prize money worth BDT 1 Lac in recognition of their brilliant works.
Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Rashed Khan Menon handed over the crest to the award recipients as chief guest on Sunday, while noted author Imdadul Haq Milon, Indian litterateur Chinmoy Guha, Bengal Foundation Chairman Abul Khair Litu and Kali O Kalam editor Abul Hasnat were present as special guests. The event was presided over by Bangla Academy director general Shamsuzzaman Khan.
Imdadul Haq Milon said in his speech, “The selection process of ‘Kali O Kalam Award’ has never been biased. The jury board members selected the persons who were unknown to them. They emphasised on writings not on faces. I wish I were young and I received the award, I would be grateful.”  
Indian litterateur Chinmoy Guha said giving ‘Kali O Kalam Award’ to the young writers is a good initiative. Director General of Bengal Foundation Luva Nahid Chowdhury informed that this is for the first time that ‘Kali O Kalam Award’ has been given to five awardees in five categories. Earlier it could not be possible because they did not receive writings in five categories properly. After receiving the award Nowshad Jamil expressed his feelings, “To become a writer, I have been writing since last 16 years. I never write to get an award. But it’s true, whenever I get an award in recognition of my work, it gives me immense pleasure.” Tushar Kabir said, “Mainly, I write poems. ‘Kuthurir Swar’ is my first essay book. My first work of its kind won award, so I think I should write all types of writings.” Shariful Hasan said, “Adbhuture Boighar’ is my first children’s book, and I received the award for the book. I wish I will write more for the children in the future.”