Zakir Talukder won this year's Gemcon Literary Award 2012and Anif Rubed was awarded the Gemcon Tarun Katha-Sahitya Puroshkar 2012. The award giving ceremony was held at the Ruposhi Bangla Hotel in the city on May26.
Talukder received the award for his book “Pitrigon”, and Anif Rubed for his book “Mon-O-Shoreerer Gondho”. Talukder received a crest, Taka 2 lakh and an honorary certificate, while Rubed received Taka 50,000, a crest and an honorary certificate.
Kazi Shahed Ahmed, chairman of Gemcon Group, presented the prizes to the authors. Dr. Kazi Anis Ahmed, director and chief strategy officer of Gemcon Group, delivered the welcome speech at the programme.
Kazi Anis said, “Gemcon Literary Award was introduced in 2000 as the 'Kagoj Sahitya Puroshkar' which was later changed to Gemcon Sahitya Puroshkar in 2007. However, we are certain that the initiative like this will continue to motivate young talented writers of our country.”
The welcome speech was followed by a musical soiree featuring artiste Mita Haq.
Award winner Zakir Talukder said, “I received the Gemcon Tarun Katha-Sahitya Puroshkar over a decade ago. By receiving this year's Gemcon Sahitya Puroshkar at a mature age, I feel like I have matured as a writer as well.”
Thanking Gemcon for the award, Anif Rubed said, “It is one of the happiest days of my life; I am speechless.”