The interim government's chief advisor, Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, presented the Ekushey Padak to 18 distinguished individuals, including the women's football team, in recognition of their outstanding contributions in various fields. He presented the medals at a special ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital at 11 am on Thursday (February 20).
This year's Ekushey Padak recipients are - Azizur Rahman (posthumously) in film, Ustad Nirad Baran Barua (posthumously) and Ferdous Ara in music, Nasir Ali Mamun in photography and Rokeya Sultana in painting. Mahfuz Ullah (posthumously) in journalism, Moidul Hasan in research, and Dr. Niaz Zaman in education.
Besides, in science and technology, Mehdi Hasan Khan (team leader), Rifat Nabi (team member), Md. Tanbin Islam Siam (team member) and Shabab Mustafa (team member). In social service, Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury (posthumous), in language and literature, Helal Hafiz (posthumous) and Shahidul Zahir (Md. Shahidul Haque) (posthumous). In journalism and human rights, Mahmudur Rahman, in culture and education, Dr. Shahidul Alam and in sports, the Bangladesh national women's football team.
Incidentally, the Ekushey Padak, introduced in memory of the martyrs of the Language Movement, is given by the government every year in recognition of special contributions in various fields. The Ekushey Padak has been given since 1976 to the country's prominent writers, artists, educationists, language warriors, linguists, researchers, journalists, economists, personalities and institutions that have contributed to poverty alleviation in recognition of their unique contributions at the national level.
