Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today (Feb 20) handed over the "Ekushey Padak 2024" to 21 eminent individuals on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.

The Head of the Government handed over the Ekushey Padak, the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh, at a programme at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital around 11:30 am.

President Mohammed Shahabuddin and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday issued separate messages on the occasion of awarding the Ekushey Padak.

A total of 565 distinguished individuals and reputed institutions were so far awarded 'Ekushey Padak' in recognition of their contributions in various fields in national life, the premier mentioned.

This year two people got the award in the Language Movement category, one in making documentation on the Liberation War, 11 in Shilpakala (acting, music, recitation, arts and painting), two in social service, one in education and four in language and literature.

Md Ashrafuddin Ahmed and valiant Freedom Fighter Hatem Ali Mia (posthumously) got the award in the Language Movement category.

Besides, Jalal Uddin Kha (posthumously), Freedom Fighter Kolyani Ghose, Bidit Lal Das (posthumously), Andru Kishore (posthumously) and Shuvra Deb will receive the award in the category of Shilpakala (music) while Shibli Mohammad in Shilpakala (dance), Doly Zahur and MA Alamgir in Shilpakala (acting), Khan Md Mustafa Walid (Shimul Mustafa), Rupa Chakrabarti in Shilpakala (recitation), Shajahan Ahmed Bikash in Shilpakala (painting), Kawsar Chowdhury in Shilpakala (documentation), Md Ziaul Haque and Rafique Ahmed in social service, Muhammad Samad, Luthfur Rahman Ritan, Minar Mansur and Rudra Muhammad Shahidullah (posthumously) (language and literature) and Professor Dr venerable Jinabodhi (education) were given the awards.

The Cultural Affairs Ministry conferred the award with a gold medal, a certificate of honour, and cash.

BDST: 1213 HRS, FEB 20, 2024
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