The annual award ceremony took place via an online event streamed live at Anannya Magazine's official Facebook page at Friday 8 pm.

Education Minister Dr Dipu Moni joined the virtual event as its chief guest while the awardees shared their eventful journeys of becoming the ‘Anannya’ of their respective categories, for which they received the honour.

Pratima Sanghma (Education, posthumous), Dr Farida Zaman (Fine Arts), Shreemati Saha (Social Welfare), Nasima Aktar Nisha (Entrepreneur), Hazera Begum (exceptional example in social work), Israt Khan Mojlish (Social Organizer), Falguni Saha (Inspirational example for physically handicapped women), Eti Khatun (Sports), Sumona Sharmin (Journalism) and country’s first indigenous female band F Minor (Music) received the prestigious award this year.  

Thanking the initiative, Dr Dipu Moni said, “Anannya magazine has been honouring the legendary women of Bangladesh for such a long time, celebrating their remarkable achievements in their respective fields. This is a jovial celebration of these incredible, exemplary women and I am honoured to be a part of this celebration.”

“Every year this event took place with festive arrangements, however, this year the situation is different due to the ongoing pandemic of COVID-19. Thanks to our honourable Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina that we are being able to utilize these virtual platforms to continue the new normal, and celebrating the positive outcomes of her envisioned ‘Digital Bangladesh’, which allowed us continuing the education system virtually for almost 90% students in our country," she added. 

Also read: Ten women get Anannya Shirshodosh awards

Hosted by recitation artist Farah Dolon, Anannya Magazine and the Daily Ittefaq editor-in-chief Tasmima Hossain chaired the event. She lauded every recipient for their extraordinary achievements in their respective categories and paved her gratitude to them for being the cornerstones of women's empowerment in Bangladesh.

Anannya first started honouring the iconic women of Bangladesh in 1993. This year’s ceremony marked the 26th anniversary of this prestigious award event, with the awards for 2019.