The prestigious Ekushey Padak, the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh, is set to be conferred upon 21 outstanding individuals this year, recognizing their exceptional contributions across various fields.
The announcement, made by the Cultural Affairs Ministry in a circular signed by Deputy Secretary Irin Farzana on Tuesday, reveals the diverse accomplishments of this year’s awardees.
In the Language Movement category, Md Ashrafuddin Ahmed and the late freedom fighter Hatem Ali Mia have been named recipients. Additionally, 11 individuals will be honored for their significant contributions to Shilpakala, encompassing acting, music, recitation, arts, and painting. Notable figures receiving the award in this category include Jalal Uddin Khan, Freedom Fighter Kalyani Ghosh, Bidit Lal Das, the late Andrew Kishore, the late Shuvra Deb, Shibli Mohammad, Dolly Zahur, MA Alamgir, Khan Md Mustafa Walid (Shimul Mustafa), Rupa Chakraborty, and Shajahan Ahmed Bikash.
The Shilpakala category also extends recognition to Kawsar Chowdhury for documentation, Md Ziaul Haque and Rafique Ahmed for social service, Muhammad Samad, Luthfur Rahman Riton, Minar Mansur, and the late Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah for language and literature. Professor Dr Venerable Jinabodhi will receive the Ekushey Padak for outstanding contributions in the field of education.
These distinguished individuals have been selected for their impactful work and significant influence in their respective domains. The Ekushey Padak continues to serve as a symbol of honor, reflecting the nation’s appreciation for their exceptional achievements.
This year’s recipients, spanning various categories, embody the spirit of Ekushey February, commemorating the Language Movement, and their commendable contributions further enrich Bangladesh’s cultural and intellectual heritage.
