Well-known actor Aly Zaker and noted writer-researcher Mofidul Haque have received this year's Shasheed Altaf Mahmud Padak.
The award was introduced in memory of martyred musician, cultural activist and freedom fighter Altaf Mahmud who was abducted by the Pakistan army on March 30, 1971, BSS reported.
Dhaka University vice chancellor Professor Dr AAMS Arefin Siddiq handed over the awards to the recipients at a ceremony held at Begum Sufia Kamal Auditorium in National Museum in the capital on Wednesday night. Shaheed Altaf Mahmud Foundation organized the function.
Altaf Mahmud was active in the country's major political struggles including the language movement and Liberation War. He composed the music for the iconic language movement song "Amar Bhaiyer Rokte Rangano Ekushey February". He was a member of Dhaka Crack Platoon and worked as a producer at the Shadhin Bangla Betar Kendra during the Liberation War.
A total of 19 eminent personalities have received Shaheed Altaf Mahmud Padak since 2005.
Shawon Mahmud, daughter of Altaf Mahmud and member secretary of Altaf Mahmud Foundation said it organizes the programme every year to recall Altaf Mahmud and present the Altaf Mahmud Padak.