NETRAKONA, Feb 14, 2026 (BSS) - The day-long 29th Literary Festival and Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Award ceremony were held today.

The festival, organized by the Netrakona Literary Society, was inaugurated at 10:00 am at Bakultala in Moktarpara of the district town by Deputy Commissioner Md. Saifur Rahman.

In his inaugural speech, the Deputy Commissioner described Netrakona as a fertile land for art, literature, and culture. "Like the fresh beauty of nature, spring touches our hearts," he said, urging all to preserve local art and cultural heritage and remain vigilant against the invasion of subculture.

Superintendent of Police Md. Tariqul Islam, speaking as a special guest, said the first spring morning following the 13th national parliamentary election brought renewed inspiration. 

The event was presided over by Netrokona Sahitya Samaj President Mahbubul Kibria Chowdhury Helim and moderated by General Secretary Tanvir Jahan Chowdhury. 

Among others who addressed the gathering were Additional Deputy Commissioner (Education and ICT) Mun Mun Jahan Liza and Advocate Mahfuzul Haque.

Following the inaugural session, local artists welcomed the spring season with a vibrant dance performance. A minute's silence was observed in memory of the Language Movement martyrs of 1952, the heroes of the 1971 Liberation War, and the martyrs of the July 24 mass uprising.

A colorful procession was later brought out from Bakultala, adding festivity to the event. Participants also paid tribute and visited the grave of Ekushey Padak-winning writer Khalekdad Chowdhury in Moktarpara.

The festival's remaining programs include poetry recitations by local poets, an afternoon discussion session, and the honoring of award recipients.

This year, renowned poet Abdul Hai Sikder (Bangla poetry) and eminent researcher Professor Dr. Abdullah Al Masum (Education and Research) have been nominated for the 29th Khalekdad Chowdhury Literary Award.