Litterateur Abul Mansur Ahmad reflected his contemporary society and time through his dexterous writing - providing insight into the history of the region, said National Prof Rafiqul Islam at a ceremony yesterday.

The event was held to give away awards among the winners of an essay competition on the relevance of Abul Mansur Ahmad in current times. Abul Mansur Ahmad Smriti Parishad organised the programme at Bangla Academy's Abdul Karim Sahitya Bisharad auditorium, marking the 120th birth anniversary of the litterateur.

Speaking as chief guest, Prof Rafiqul said, "His [Abul Mansur Ahmad] prolific knowledge of history is rare among writings of politicians."

"Abul Mansur Ahmad is still relevant," he added. “To understand the workings of

society, one has to read his writings."

At the event, the organisers handed over crests, certificates, books and prize money among 11 winners in three categories -literature, journalism and politics.

In total, 110 individuals participated in the competition.

National Prof Anisuzzaman said, “Abul Mansur Ahmad spoke on behalf of people when he was active in politics. Through his writings, he highlighted the discrepancies in the society."

The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahftiz Anam called upon youths to learn more about Abul Mansur Ahmad's works and uphold his values.

Columnist Syed Abul Maksud, Rabindra University, Bangladesh Vice Chancellor Prof Biswajit Ghosh and Prof Mizanur Rahman also spoke at the event. Born on September 3, 1898 in Mymensingh, Abul Mansur Ahmad was a litterateur, journalist and politician.

He received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1960. Bangladesh government honoured him with the Independence Day Award in 1979.

He was the minister for education in the United Front government of East Pakistan in 1956 and the minister for commerce and trade in 1956-1957. After the promulgation of martial law by Ayub Khan in 1958, he was imprisoned and subsequently released in 1962. He then retired from politics.

Abul Mansur Ahmad was known for his strong stand in favour of regional autonomy of East Pakistan. He also made remarkable contributions to industrialisation of the long neglected East Pakistan. He always propagated secularism in a manner unparalleled in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Abul Mansur Ahmad's publications include great satires like Aina, Asmani Purdah, Gulliverer Safar Nama and Food Conference. He also penned insightful works on social and political history of Bengal such as Bangladesher Culture. He has two autobiographical writings - Atma Katha (About myself) and Amar Dekha Rajnitir Panchash Bachar (50 years of politics as I saw it).