Anannya Sahitya Puroshkar (literary award) was conferred on eminent social activist and writer Noorjahan Bose on January 31 at Sofia Kamal Auditorium, National Museum. Bose received a crest and a cheque worth Taka 50,000 as part of the award. She has won the award for her autobiographical book "Agun Mukhar Meye". The award was formally handed over to the writer by noted educationist Professor Anisuzzaman.

The Anannya Shahitya Purashkar is an annual award for talented women litterateurs. The award was introduced by Anannya, a Bengali weekly for women, in 1401 (Bengali Year).

Professor Sonia Nishat Amin of the Department of History, Dhaka University attended as the main discussant at the ceremony. Noted author Selina Hossain was present as special guest. Tasmima Hossain, editor of Anannya presided over the programme.

“Bose's writings articulate her personal observations, experiences, understanding and deep observations on the anomalies in our society. Personal and social conflict as well as the Liberation War are also prime subjects in her writings. She is bold and outspoken by nature,” said Sonia Nishat Amin.

Selina focused on the main facets of Bose's writings and her own perspective of Bose as a person and a writer. She said, “Bose's writings focus on women's regrets, needs, despair and frustration. She takes a bold stand against any kind of religious fundamentalism in our society. She does not hesitate to uphold the truth.”

Anisuzzaman appreciated Anannya's endeavour to recognise the value of talented women in Bangladesh. He said, "In our contemporary society, it is significant to uphold the true contribution of women.”

Bose was born in Bhola, the southern part of Bangladesh. She writes about how she was perceived by the village community as being different because she wanted to study and make her own choices. Her writings predominantly highlight messages against communalism and tales and tragedy of the oppressed people.

After completing her secondary school, she went toWashington and obtained a Master's degree in social welfare from a Catholic university. Although a Muslim, she married a nonMuslim, a very well-known economist Swadesh Bose. Swadesh Bose dedicated his life to establishing justice in society and made significant contributions to this field nationally and internationally.

The programme ended with a recital by Laisa Ahmed Lisa.