CA Presents Ekushey Padak to 18 Individuals Including SAFF-Winning Women's Football Team

Chief Adviser Dr Muhammad Yunus has awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak to 18 distinguished individuals, including the SAFF-winning Bangladesh women's football team.

The award ceremony took place on Thursday (February 20) at 11:00 am at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

This year's recipients included Azizur Rahman (posthumous), who was honoured for his contributions to film, and Ustad Nirad Baran Barua (posthumous) and Ferdous Ara, who received awards for their achievements in music. Nasir Ali Mamun was recognized for photography, and Rokeya Sultana for painting.

Mahfuz Ullah (posthumously) was awarded for journalism, while Moidul Hasan was honoured for research. Dr Niaz Zaman received the award for education. Contributions to science and technology were recognized through awards given to Mehedi Hasan Khan (team leader), Rifat Nabi (team award), Md Tanbin Islam Siam (team award), and Shabab Mustafa (team award).

Additionally, Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury (posthumous) was honoured for social service. Helal Hafiz (posthumous) and Shahidul Jahir (posthumous) received awards in language and literature. Mahmudur Rahman was recognized for his journalism and human rights work, while Dr Shahidul Alam was honoured for his contributions to culture and education. The Bangladesh national women's football team received the award in the sports category.

The Ekushey Padak is one of Bangladesh's highest civilian honours, awarded annually in memory of the Language Movement martyrs. Established in 1976, it recognizes outstanding contributions in literature, arts, education, research, journalism, social service, and other fields.

As in previous years, the ceremony was attended by eminent personalities, high-ranking government officials, and distinguished guests.