Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus is set to distribute the Ekushey Padak 2025, the second highest civilian award of the country, at 11:00am on Thursday.
The Chief Adviser's Senior Assistant Press Secretary Foyez Ahammad told media that the award handing over ceremony would be held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
The Ekushey Padak, named after February 21 - also observed as International Mother Language Day - is the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh. The recognition symbolises honour and acknowledgment for the sacrifices of the language martyrs who gave their lives for the Bengali language during the Language Movement of 1952.
Each of the awardees will receive an 18 carat gold medal of 35 gram, Tk1 lakh in cash, a certificate and a crest from the government.
Earlier on February 6, the Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced the names of the awardees.
This year, 14 individuals and Bangladesh's Women's Football Team have been awarded the Ekushey Padak 2025 for their extraordinary contributions and achievements in various sectors.
Bangladesh National Women's Football Team received the award in the sports category for their outstanding achievements last year, including clinching back-to-back titles in the SAFF Women's Championship in Nepal, led by Sabina Khatun.
In addition to the women in red and green, 14 individuals are also recipients of the prestigious award for their noteworthy contributions in the fields of literature, culture, social service, journalism and other sectors of national significance.
Among the 14 individuals who received the 2024 Ekushey Padak, eight are cultural personalities, while others come from various categories.
The recipients include the late novelist Shahidul Zahir (Md Shahidul Haque) and poet Helal Hafiz, who will be honoured posthumously for their contributions to Language and Literature. Renowned photographer and founder of Drik Gallery and Pathshala South Asian Media Institute, Shahidul Alam, will receive the award for his work in Culture and Education.
Filmmaker Azizur Rahman, famed for his work on 'Chhutir Ghonta,' will be conferred the award posthumously for his contributions to Arts (Cinema). Ustad Nirod Baran Barua and Ferdous Ara will be honoured for Music, Nasir Ali Mamun will be recognised for Arts (Photography), and Rokeya Sultana will receive the award for Arts (Fine Arts).
The late journalist Mahfuz Ullah was conferred the award for Journalism, while Amader Desh Editor and former energy adviser to Khaleda Zia, Mahmudur Rahman, was awarded in the Journalism and Human Rights category.
Among others, Dr Niaz Zaman was conferred the award for his contribution to the education sector, while Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury was honoured posthumously for social service, and Moyeedul Hasan was recognised for research.
