PEN Bangladesh

15/08/2026

PEN Bangladesh hosted a programme last evening titled “Honouring the Life and Literary Legacy of Faruq Mainuddin.” The event drew a full house—every seat in the auditorium was taken—and began promptly on time.

03/08/2026

PEN Bangladesh calls for transparent safeguards amid disciplinary actions against university teachers

PEN Bangladesh has expressed concern over what it described as the growing use of forced retirement, suspension, dismissal, removal from teaching duties and threats of investigation against university teachers, calling for greater protection of academic freedom and due...

21/07/2026

Speakers: Hate speech poses growing threat to democracy, rights
Discussion organized by PEN Bangladesh marks International Day for Countering Hate Speech

Speakers at a discussion organized by PEN Bangladesh in Dhaka on Saturday stressed the need for stronger social and cultural resistance to hate speech, warning that it poses a growing threat to human rights, democracy, social harmony and peaceful coexistence. The discussion,...

21/07/2026

Moral awakening needed to curb hate speech: Speakers at PEN Bangladesh discussion

"We must remember that the fight against hate speech is ultimately a fight for humanity," they said.

31/12/2025

Happy New Year 2026!

02/12/2025

PEN Bangladesh expresses its deepest condolences on the passing of Hege Newth, former Secretary General of Norsk PEN (PEN Norway). She was an exceptionally warm and compassionate individual, and her unwavering commitment to social justice continues to inspire us all.

15/11/2025

Free Them All: Day of the Imprisoned Writer 2025!

“Across the world, writers continue to pay a heavy price for speaking truth. Rory Branker, Yalqun Rozi, Mohamed Tadjadit, and Mzia Amaglobeli remind us that words can shake the powerful — and that courage endures even when their freedom is taken away. Their persecution is a wound to justice and ...

30/10/2025

Dear Members,
PEN Bangladesh

I hope you're safe and well.

I am happy to let you know that the Executive Committee of PEN Bangladesh has decided to hold a memorial for the recent passing of educator, writer, and past President of PEN Bangladesh, Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam, on 22nd November 2025 in Dhaka.

To accompany this national event, PEN Bangladesh will publish a volume capturing the life, work, and spirit of Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam.

We warmly invite you to contribute your write-up on Professor Syed Manzoorul Islam or on his works by 09 November 2025 via email.

Kindly note that the Publication Committee reserves the right to review, edit, and finalize the selected submissions for publication within the stipulated deadline.

Thank you for your valuable time and contribution.

Warm regards,

Zahid Shohag
Office Secretary
PEN Bangladesh

17/10/2025

China: PEN International and PEN Centres worldwide renew call for the release of Gui Minhai, the imprisoned poet, bookseller and PEN member
StatementChina2025,17 Oct

‘ The abduction of poet, bookseller and PEN member Gui Minhai ten years ago was an alarming escalation of the Chinese government’s resolve to silence criticism and extend its repressive state apparatus beyond its borders. Today, we continue to stand in solidarity with Gui Minhai and demand his i...

13/10/2025

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr Syed Manzoorul Islam (18 January 1951 – 10 October 2025), President PEN Bangladesh (2019-2021). He passed away on Friday, 10 October 2025, at 5:05 PM, while undergoing treatment at Labaid Hospital in Dhaka.

He was a distinguished critic, writer, and Emeritus Professor of the Department of English at the University of Dhaka. He received the Bangla Academy Literary Award in 1996, and his short story collection Prem o Prarthanar Galpo was named Book of the Year by Prothom Alo in 2005. As the President of PEN Bangladesh, appointed in 2019, he continued to inspire generations with his dedication to literature, education, and human values. During PEN President he represented PEN Bangladesh in many international seminars and conferences as a distinguished leader of literature from South Asia. His contributions will remain a guiding light for us all.

We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and admirers. His loss is deeply felt, but his legacy will continue to inspire our community and beyond.

May his soul rest in eternal peace.