Dhaka: Ten writers and poets were selected for the Citi Ananda Alo Sahitya Puroshkar for 2017.

A committee on Citi Ananda Alo Sahitya Puroshkar announced the names on Sunday.

This year's award recipients are Muntassir Mamoon who is a writer, historian, scholar, secularist, translator, and professor at University of Dhaka, in the essay category for his essays titled ‘Unish Shotoke Purba Bange Brahman Andolon’.

In poetry category, eminent poet Professor Dr. Muhammad Samad for ‘Sat desher Kobita’ from Journeyman Publication and Habibullah Siraji for the book of ‘Jo’ from Abishkar Publication jointly win the award.  In novel category, two novelists Anisul Hoque and Prasanta Mridha are awarded for their books ‘Priyo Prithibi Sere’   and ‘Dugdugir Asor’ respectively. Hashem Khan will receive the award in the category of children's literature for the book titled ‘Hashem khaner Madhur Golpo  Modhuhak’. Lutfar Jaman Liton is awarded in the category of rhyme.

In the first book (debut book) category, Farid Ahmed for ‘Prokhashnama and Humayun Ahmed’, Ditiyo Syed Haq for ‘Megh O Babar Kisu Kotha’ and Shanarei Debi Shanu for ‘Nil Foring Kabbo’ will receive the awards for their books respectively.

The award was first given in 2008.  The aim of the award is to encourage creative personalities in the mainstream genres of literature.

The award will be formally delivered to ten writers in a programme which going to be held on March 5 at Channel i Bhaban, Tejgaon Industrial Area in the city.