Dhaka, Feb. 28 -- The government has decided to present the Bangla Academy Literary Award to poet Mohon Raihan, days after after the decision to present the award was put on hold amid public backlash.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs said in a statement that the award will be handed over to Raihan at Bangla Academy at 11am on Monday.

However, the poet said he has yet to decide whether he will accept it.

Officials noted that the prize had been briefly put on hold to investigate negative reactions circulating in newspapers and on social media after the initial announcement.

An emergency meeting took place at the ministry on Feb 27 to scrutinise the claims made against the poet, the statement said.

The minister, state minister and secre...