Prothom Alo Bondhushova Hosts Writers Festival 2026 to Foster Emerging Literary Talent in Dhaka
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Literary experts, authors, and publishers gathered in Dhaka on Friday to advise emerging writers, emphasizing that effective writing requires deep observation, extensive reading, and profound sensitivity toward the human experience. The “Writer Friend Festival 2026,” organized by Prothom Alo Bondhushova at its Karwan Bazar office, featured workshops and discussions on various disciplines, including fiction, poetry, translation, and feature journalism.
Renowned translator and fiction writer Faruk Moinuddin highlighted the necessity of cultural immersion for translators, noting that an accurate translation requires a comprehensive understanding of the source language and its cultural context. He further advised travel writers to capture the history, character, and daily life of the places they document.
Poet and Prothom Alo Executive Editor Sajjad Sharif discussed the craft of poetry, explaining that poetry transforms feelings into a universal language. He emphasized that the meaning of words often shifts when transitioning from prose to poetry, providing readers with a new perspective on the world. Fiction writer Mohit Kamal stressed the importance of long-term vision, noting that while writing is a solitary act, literature only becomes art when it reaches and is evaluated by the reader.
During a segment dedicated to industry insights, Farid Ahmed, publisher at Somoy Prokashon, urged young writers to cultivate patience. He noted that many aspiring authors lack the necessary discipline to prepare a manuscript effectively. Jafar Ahmad Rashed, CEO and Chief Editor of Batighar, added that authors should submit complete manuscripts, including tables of contents, author biographies, and clear summaries explaining the merit of their work.
Feature journalism was addressed by Prothom Alo Associate Editor Sumana Sharmin, who stressed the importance of combining accurate data with compelling, literary narratives. She advised writers to utilize language from everyday life to craft titles that resonate with readers while delivering new information.
Prothom Alo Managing Editor and author Anisul Haque spoke candidly about the challenges of the artistic life. Citing Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, he encouraged writers to focus on creating beauty and serving the public good rather than seeking fame or financial gain. Author Sadat Hossain echoed this sentiment, stating that there is no universal formula for writing, but that deep empathy and keen observation are essential for any author.
The event, supported by the mobile financial service provider bKash, concluded with the announcement of the “Writer Friend Award 2026.” The recipients were Afiful Islam, Md. Abul Bashar, Khondokar Humayun Kabir, Nusrat Rusha, and Jasedul Islam, recognized for their contributions to the Bondhushova website and independent publications. Additional awards were presented to participants who excelled in writing workshops and letter-writing competitions.
The festival was moderated by Soumendra Goswami, with remarks from various Bondhushova leadership members, including Jafar Sadik, who expressed optimism regarding the future of the participants’ creative endeavors.
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