The SAARC Cultural Centre Governing Board Members of the 9th Governing Board Meeting and the Members of the 54th Programming Committee approved the presentation of the SAARC Literary Award to a writer nominated by the honoured Member States as per SAARC practice in alphabetical order. This award was devised to bring attention to the writers of South Asia and create an awareness of the rich creations of the Region. The SAARC Literary Award 2018 was awarded to Mr. Najibullah Manalai nominated by the honoured Member State of Afghanistan.
The second SAARC Literary Awardee was nominated by the honoured Member State of Bangladesh and awarded in conjunction with the SAARC Cultural Capital Closing Ceremony in Bhutan. Dr. Anisuzzaman nominated by the honoured Member State of Bangladesh is a writer and academic in Bengali literature for more than 60 years. He has won many awards and is recognized as a writer on national identity, education, religions, historical and social reconstruction. His books such as Muslim Manash O Bangla Sahitya, Swaruper Sandhane, Purono Bangla Gadya, Bangali Nari: Sahitye O Samaje, Kal Nirabadhi, and Ihajagatikata O Anyanya are considered seminal works by academics working on Bangla literature and language.
Dr. Anisuzzaman was awarded the SAARC Literary Award in conjunction with the SAARC Cultural Capital Closing Ceremony held in Bhutan on 29th June 2019. The award was presented by Hon. Mr. Dasho Sherub Gyeltshen, Minister of Home and Cultural Affairs of Bhutan, The Secretary General of SAARC H.E. Mr. Amjad Hussain B. Sial, Mr. Karma Weezir, Director General of the Department of Culture, Bhutan and Ms. Renuka Ekanayake, Director of the SAARC Cultural Centre, were also present at this occasion.