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Bangladesh’s Ekushey Padak Winners Announced
The winners of the esteemed Ekushey Padak, Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian honor, have been announced by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
Out of the 14 awardees, 8 cultural celebrities have received the 2024 Ekushey Padak.
Azizur Rahman Posthumously Acknowledged for Cinema Achievements
The winners include poet Helal Hafiz and the late author Shahidul Zahir (Md Shahidul Haque), who will get posthumous recognition for their services to language and literature. Shahidul Alam, a well-known photographer and the founder of the Drik Gallery and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, will be honored for his contributions to culture and education. Famed for his work on “Chhutir Ghonta,” filmmaker Azizur Rahman will get the prize posthumously for his achievements to the arts (cinema), and Ferdous Ara and Ustad Nirad Baran Barua will receive recognition for their music. Rokeya Sultana will get the prize for Arts (Fine Arts), while Nasir Ali Mamun will be honored for Arts (Photography).
Cultural Adviser’s Recognition of Honorees
When asked about the significance of these honorees, Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said, “Legendary people like these are far beyond any medals.” They don’t, in my opinion, work for prizes. To express gratitude for their contribution, the state honors them.
He added, “We’ve been working closely for the Ekushey Padak of 2025, and I extend my heartfelt appreciation to all involved.” He also thanked the National Committee and the Ministry of Cultural Affairs for their hard work on the event.
Ekushey Padak Named for Language Martyrs
In honor of the language martyrs who gave their lives during the 1952 Language Movement to preserve and advance the Bengali language, the Ekushey Padak was named after February 21st, International Mother Language Day. The honor represents a profound understanding of their supreme sacrifice as well as the enduring heritage of language and culture.
