Two litterateurs, Salma Bani and Rubaiyat Ahmed, were given Gemcon Literary Award 2015 for their works ‘Immigration’ and ‘Ekjon Sub-Editorer Chhenra-Khonra Din’ respectively.
Dr Kazi Anis Ahmed, litterateur and director of Gemcon Group, handed over the awards to them yesterday evening at Bangla Academy’s Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad Auditorium.
“It is a matter of great joy and pride to give away the award to deserving candidates every year. We are indeed delighted and inspired,” said Dr Anis during his welcome speech.
Gemcon Literary Award 2015 winner Salma Bani was given Tk5 lakh as prize money while Gemcon Young Literary Award winner Rubaiyat Ahmed was given TK1 lakh along with crests for each of them.
“It feels good and I am very delighted to have won this prestigious award. This will help me go further with my writings,” said Salma Bani while expressing her feelings.
Rubaiyat Ahmed said he was thankful to Gemcon Group and dedicated the award to his father Selim Al Deen.
A panel of distinguished judges picked the two winners from a competitive short-list.
The ceremony was attended by Dr Rafiqul Islam, former vice-chancellor of University Liberal Arts Bangladesh, among others.