Bangladeshi Writer Faria Bashar Clinches Asia Region Commonwealth Short Story Prize

In a remarkable achievement, young Bangladeshi writer Faria Bashar has been named the Asia region winner of the 2025 Commonwealth Short Story Prize. The Commonwealth Foundation announced the five regional winners, with Faria securing the prestigious accolade for Asia, marking the first time a Bangladeshi writer has claimed this honor in the region.

 

According to the Commonwealth Foundation’s website, the other regional winners include Joshua Lubwama (Uganda, Africa region), Chanel Sutherland (Canada/St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Canada and Europe region), Subraj Singh (Guyana, Caribbean region), and Kathleen Ridgewell (Australia, Pacific region). Faria earned the title of Asia’s best short story writer for her surreal narrative, An Eye and a Leg. A dedicated literary practitioner, this victory marks her first international recognition.

 

This year, a record 7,920 entries were submitted, from which the five regional winners were selected. These winners will now compete in the final judging round, with the overall winner to be announced on June 25, 2025. Their stories will also be published in the renowned literary magazine Granta.

 

The Commonwealth Foundation notes that Faria Bashar, of Bengali descent, has worked in the Philippines, the United Kingdom, and the United States at various stages of her career. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Edinburgh and a master’s degree from New York University.