24 eminent citizens received the Ekushey Padak in recognition of their remarkable contribution to the national aspect.
The ceremony was held at the capital’s Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Sunday (February 20) morning. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined the program virtually from her official residence Ganabhaban.
Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Haque handed over the medal to the recipients on behalf of the Prime Minister.
This year Mostafa MA Matin (posthumous), and Mirza Tofazal Hossain Mukul (posthumous) have been recognised for their roles in the Language Movement.
Zeenat Barkatullah has been recognised for her contributions to dance while Nazrul Islam Babu (posthumous), Iqbal Ahmed, Mahmudur Rahman Benu for music, and Khaled Mahmud Khan (posthumous), Afzal Hossain, Masum Aziz for acting.
Alhaj Md Motiur Rahman, Syed Muazzem Ali (posthumous), QABM Rahman, Amzad Ali Khandaker have been recognised for their contributions to the Liberation War.
MA Malek got the recognition for contributions to journalism while Md Anwar Hossain for role in science and technology, and Prof Gautam Buddha Das for education.
SM Abraham Lincoln and Sangharaj Gyanasree Mahather have been recognised for their contributions to social work and Kamal Chowdhury, Jharna Das Purkayastha for contributions for language and literature.
Dr Md Enamul Huq, Dr Shahanaj Sultana and Dr Jannatul Ferdous as a team and Dr Abdus Sattar Mandal as an individual got the Ekushey Padak for their contributions to research this year.
State Minister for the Cultural Affairs Ministry KM Khalid presided over the programme while Secretary at the Cultural Affairs Ministry Md Abul Monsur delivered a welcome address.