Nurul Kabir and Muhammad Yusuf Siddiq win Non-Fiction Book Award 2025

New Age Editor Nurul Kabir and researcher Muhammad Yusuf Siddiq have been awarded the “Non-Fiction Book Award-2025” in recognition of their significant contributions to non-fiction literature.

The awards were presented today at the closing ceremony of the three-day 9th Non-Fiction Book Fair, jointly organised by Dhaka University’s Faculty of Business Studies and Bonik Barta at the university premises.

Nurul Kabir was honoured for his book “Dwiralap: Chobbish’er Gonoabhyutthan O Purbapor Rajniti Somporke Bisleshonmulok Alapcharita” (published by Kothaprokash), while Muhammad Yusuf Siddiq received the award for “Shilalipi: Banglar Arbi-Farsi Protnalekhamala” (published by Prothoma Prokashon).

The publishers of the books were also recognised alongside the authors.

A jury panel selected the two works from among nominated non-fiction titles submitted by participating publishers.

The ceremony was attended by Education Adviser Prof CR Abrar as chief guest and DU Pro-Vice Chancellor (Academic) Prof Mamun Ahmed as special guest.

Nurul Kabir said, “In my writing career, I was invited to receive awards many times from various places, including the Ekushey Padak. However, I never accepted them because I believe it is not dignified when consent is sought before giving an award. This is the first time I have accepted an award because a jury board member informed me about it only yesterday, which was quite a surprise for me.”

Muhammad Yusuf Siddiq, currently abroad, sent a message highlighting the importance of his research, “The study of Arabic and Persian inscriptions helps us deeply understand and perceive the history of Bengal. Through these inscriptions, we understand that our history of Bangalee identity was built on a traditional foundation of pluralism, diversity, and tolerance.”

Addressing the event, Prof Abrar remarked, “We live in a time when there is no shortage of information, but there is a lack of knowledge. Amidst the crowd of social media, rapid news cycles, and fragmented opinions, the need for deep, verified, and analytical knowledge is greater than ever.”

He added that the fair brought university-level knowledge to the wider public, stressing that the university’s responsibility is not just to award degrees but also to teach society to think.

Other speakers included author and translator Aminul Islam Bhuiyan, Southeast Bank Executive Vice President Md Mushfiqur Rahman, and University Press Limited (UPL) Director Mahrukh Mohiuddin. Bonik Barta Editor and Publisher Dewan Hanif Mahmud delivered the welcome speech, while the session was moderated by Assistant Editor Md Badrul Alam. DU Business Faculty Dean Prof Mahmood Osman Imam gave the vote of thanks.

This year’s fair saw participation from 39 publishing and research organisations.