21 personalities to get Ekushey Padak

The government has nominated 21 distinguished people for Ekushey Padak, the country's second highest civilian award, this year in recognition of their contributions to different fields.

The Cultural Affairs Ministry said this in a handout on Tuesday.

Ashrafuddin Ahmed and freedom fighter Hatem Ali Mia were nominated for their contributions to the Language Movement.

Jalal Uddin Khan (posthumous), freedom fighter Kalyani Ghosh, Bidit Lal Das (posthumous), Andrew Kishore and Shuvra Deb will receive the award for their roles in music.

Dolly Zahur and MA Alamgir will get the award for acting, Khan Md Mustafa Waleed (Shimul Mustafa) and Rupa Chakrabarty for recitation, Shibli Mohammad for dance and Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash for painting.

Kaiser Chowdhury was chosen for the award for making and archiving documents on the Liberation War, Md Ziaul Haque and Alhaj Rafique Ahamad for social service and Professor Dr Jinbodhi Bhikkhu for education.

Besides, Muhammad Samad, Lutfar Rahman Riton, Minar Mansur and Rudra Muhammad Shahidullah (posthumous) will receive the award in the language and literacy category.

As per policy, selected persons will be given cash Tk 4 lakh, a gold medal, a replica and a certificate of honor.

RMM/SU