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'Poet Kazi Masuda Saleh Memorial Award' in the International Literary Arena
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'Poet Kazi Masuda Saleh Memorial Award' in the International Literary Arena

30 July 2026 · Abu Zubier

Prominent poet and fiction writer Kazi Masuda Saleh was a bright star in the literary and cultural arena of Bangladesh. She was born into a respected family with a great tradition of education and service. Her father, Kazi Ahmed Hossain, was a renowned teacher, a skilled physician, and an active member of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose's Azad Hind Fauj. His ideals deeply influenced Kazi Masuda Saleh. In the 1970s, she tied the knot with Abu Saleh, a prominent journalist, rhymer, and politician (the youngest son of Peer Shah Sufi Tojuddin Ahmed R.). Their only child, Abu Zubier, is also a well-known figure in the world of literature and research; he is a poet, writer, researcher, and university professor. Kazi Masuda Saleh's only granddaughter is Anahia Zahara. In her personal life, this talented writer was actively involved with the country's leading literary and cultural organizations, such as the Bangla Academy, Bangladesh Lekhika Sangha, Nandini Sahitya Sangstha, and Jatiya Kabita Parishad. Her profound love and dedication to literature made her a highly respected and familiar figure in the literary society of Bangladesh.

As an accomplished writer, Kazi Masuda Saleh authored five remarkable books during her lifetime. Two of these were poetry collections, in which she beautifully depicted the deep emotions, feelings, and human experiences of life. Beyond writing for adults, she also penned two enchanting books centering on the psychology and imaginative world of children, making her incredibly popular among young readers. Additionally, she wrote a thought-provoking book of short stories that resonated deeply in the hearts of her readers. Due to her outstanding literary skills and profound insights, her writings were regularly published in various national literary magazines across Bangladesh. Unfortunately, she breathed her last on August 4, 2022, while on ventilator support in the intensive care unit (ICU) of BIRDEM Hospital in Dhaka. Her untimely demise created a massive and irreparable void in the literary and cultural sphere of Bangladesh. However, the inspiration she left for future generations through her writings and contributions will remain immortal.

To immortalize Kazi Masuda Saleh's colorful life, remarkable literary works, and memory on the global stage, the 'Poet Kazi Masuda Saleh Memorial Award' has been introduced as a unique initiative. The award was announced as a joint venture by 'Paris er Janala' (Window of Paris) and the 'Poet Kazi Masuda Saleh Memorial Council'. This collaborative effort to honor talented writers from around the globe has already generated a massive response in the international literary community. Recently, three distinguished and internationally acclaimed poets from different parts of the world have been nominated for this prestigious memorial award. The esteemed international poets receiving the award are Daniela Andonovska-Trajkovska from North Macedonia, Elisabetta Bonaparte from Italy, and Mirela Leka Xhava, an Albanian poet residing in France. Each of them has made an undeniable and immense contribution to the literature of their respective countries as well as to world literature.

Award-winning poet Daniela Andonovska-Trajkovska is a highly distinguished poet, writer, scientist, and literary critic from North Macedonia. Born on February 3, 1979, in Bitola, Macedonia, this brilliant personality earned a doctorate in pedagogy and is currently working as a professor at the Faculty of Education of the "St. Kliment Ohridski" University. She also serves as the president of the Macedonian Science Society. Daniela's literary repertoire is exceptionally rich; she has published 9 poetry books, 2 storybooks, 1 novel, and 1 children's book. Her remarkable poems have been translated and published in more than 40 languages worldwide, earning her widespread international recognition. Throughout her long literary journey, she has been honored with prestigious international awards such as the 'Aco Shopov', 'Naji Naaman', and 'Mihai Eminescu'.

Another recipient honored with this prestigious award is the renowned Italian literary figure, Elisabetta Bonaparte. She is simultaneously a distinguished poet, writer, lawyer, and teacher. Her notable published literary works include "Il volo della rondine" and "Antiche Verità" (2024), which have been globally acclaimed. Elisabetta's literary pieces have been translated into English, Spanish, Albanian, Arabic, and other languages, and are read with great admiration by readers in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and Mexico. For her contribution to literature and the service of humanity, she has been included among the "Messengers of Peace Through Literature". She also acts as a cultural ambassador and has achieved over a hundred international honors and medals, including the "Embajador de la Palabra" award.

Another talented literary awardee is Mirela Leka Xhava. She was born in the city of Elbasan, Albania, where she earned a higher degree in language and literature and began her career as a librarian. From her childhood, she held a deep passion and love for poetry, which inspired her literary creations. Mirela has already published 5 poetry collections, and her poems have been featured in numerous international anthologies. She has had the honor of participating in several international literary competitions, reaching the final stages in some. She has been living in France with her family since 2002, and since 2024, she has been an esteemed member of the highly prestigious organization of French poets, the 'Société des Poètes Français' (Society of French Poets).

The effort to honor these international-level poets through the joint initiative of 'Paris er Janala' and the 'Poet Kazi Masuda Saleh Memorial Council' is truly commendable. This is not only a sincere tribute to the memory of Kazi Masuda Saleh but also a noble endeavor to celebrate the harmony and diversity of world literature. Receiving this honor will further elevate Kazi Masuda Saleh's name and literary spirit in the global literary arena, remaining a unique source of inspiration for poets and writers of future generations.