Photo : BSS

RANGPUR, Oct 25, 2025 (BSS) - Ten talented writers in ten categories of literature were awarded the 'Firedekha Padak' at the day-long "Rangpur Literary Festival 2025" held at Rangpur Government Teachers Training College (RGTTC) in the city on Friday. 
 
The writers received the awards in a joyful atmosphere at the literary festival organized by literary organization 'Firedekha' with colorful events to mark its 12th founding anniversary.
 
The programmme began with the performance of the national anthem. 
 
Later, a colorful 'Shovayatra’ of poets and writers left the RGTTC ground and returned there after rounding the city's main street. 
 
This was followed by Bhaoyaiya songs, literary discussions and lively poetry recitation sessions. 
 
More than 250 poets, writers and cultural activists from various parts of the country including Dhaka, Rajshahi, Khulna, Barisal, Sylhet, Mymensingh, Rangamati, Kushtia and other districts and Rangpur division participated in the festival.
 
Netrokona University Vice-chancellor Professor Dr Khandaker Mohammed Ashraful Munim attended the event as the chief guest. 
 
Poet Shoaib Shahriar, poet Mofiz Imam, convener of the organizing committee and literary editor of ‘Firedekha’ Babul Sarkar, and ‘Firedekha’ president Taposh Mahmud were present as guests.
 
Poet and playwright Farid Ahmed Dulal presented the 'Firedekha Padak 2025' to the awardees in an enthusiastic atmosphere at the temporarily built "Rokeya Mancha" in the RGTTC hall room.
 
D Masudul Haque presented “Short Papers of the Answers of Two Ages,” and Nurunnabi Shanto discussed “Fiction in the Digital Age” in the function.
 
General Secretary of ‘Firedekha’ poet Shakil Masud moderated the events. 
 
The award recipients are Nurunnabi Shanto (Khidmatul Maut) in short stories, Dr Mizanur Rahman Nasim (Manonrekha) in short paper story, Ahmed Swapan Mahmud (Sakal Mahima Tomar) in poetry, and Hasnat Amjad (Ekkhana Boi Rangin Malat) in rhyme. 
 
Sabera Tabassum (Gulzar's poetry) in translation, Ahsan Imam (Pulse in Culture: Context Bangladesh) in folklore, Rana Masud (Tista's Adyopant) in essay, Masudul Haque (Dinmuluk) in novel, Islam Rafiq (Bogra Lekhak Chakra) in organization category, and Khandaker Md Ali Samrat (Panchakabir Bhaoyaiya) in regional language song. 
 
Young entrepreneur and businessman Alhaj Md Touhid Hossain and sports organizer and social worker Manjur Ahmed Azad received special awards in recognition of their social contributions.
 
In her commemorative speech, President of Rangpur Sahitya-Sanskriti Parishad Dr Nasima Akhter said, “Rokeya’s thoughts and his legacy are still relevant today.” 
 
Poet Shakil Masud said, “This award is not just recognition of writers, but also an encouragement to the thinking and creativity of the new generation.”