Eminent writer Dr Niaz Zaman received the Anannya Literary Award-1420 yesterday for her contribution in patronising Bangladeshi women in the field of writing in both Bangla and English.
Author Selina Hossain, chief guest of the programme, handed over the crest to Dr Niaz Zaman at an event organised by Anannya, a women’s Bengali-language fortnightly magazine, at the capital’s Bengal Café.
Alongside crest, the writer also received Tk50, 000.
Dr Niaz Zaman, hailing from Delhi, India wrote ‘The Art of Kantha Embroidery” inspired by ‘Nokshi Kathar Math’ by Jasimuddin.
She translated Syed Waliullah’s celebrated novel ‘Lal Salu’ into English which she named as ‘Tree Without Roots.’
Dr Zaman said a writer was a writer irrespective of gender.
“I feel proud to say that my children’s mother tongue is Bangla although my mother tongue is not Bangla,” said the writer.
She thanked all who supported her adding that one could do anything with their effort and merit.
A cultural programme followed the ceremony.
Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, co-ordinator of department of English and Humanities, Brac University, and Editor of Anannya Tasmima Hossain were present at the event.
Anannya has been conferring the literary award to women since 1993.