United News of Bangladesh

Acclaimed Bangladeshi artist and art educator Professor Rokeya Sultana has recently been honored with the Ekushey Padak 2025 in painting, recognising her lifelong contribution to the country’s artistic landscape. On this International Women’s Day, her achievement stands as a testament to the power of creativity and resilience in shaping Bangladesh’s cultural heritage. The nation's first female artist to win major awards at the National Art Exhibition, the prestigious Asian Art Biennale, and numerous other prestigious art competitions; the first female student at the Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art to enroll in and finish her Master's programme at Vishwa Bharati University in Shantiniketan, India - Professor Rokeya Sultana is highly regarded as a pioneering artist and art educator. In addition to bringing fame and respect to the country, her artistic endeavours have encouraged future generations of artists to seek careers in the field. Receiving the Ekushey Padak, the nation’s second-highest civilian award, Rokeya Sultana recently spoke to UNB and expressed deep gratitude, dedicating the award to the women of Bangladesh. "Our women have been working tirelessly at various levels of society, but many are unable to cope with various setbacks. If my art and overall creative endeavors can add even a small step to this journey, I will feel blessed; and thus, I dedicated my Ekushey Padak to the women in various roles at home and abroad who are presenting Bangladesh to the world," she told UNB. During her felicitation speech on February 20 at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium after receiving the Ekushey Padak from Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus, the artist said: "I am deeply grateful to the Government of Bangladesh for honoring me with the Ekushey Padak, and also to those who nominated me. At this moment of achievement, I deeply remember my mother, Mohsena Khatun, and father, Chowdhury Abdul Ghaffar, a heroic freedom fighter - they sowed the seeds of my intense love for art. Despite all odds, they gave me the opportunity to walk this path." She credits much of her success to her mentors at Dhaka Fine Arts Institute and Santiniketan, particularly Mohammad Kibria, a direct student of Shilpacharya Zainul Abedin. "A special place in my heart belongs to Kibria Sir, who was not only a teacher but also a father figure, and it is such an honor that he was once awarded this same title (the Ekushey Padak). These are the people who gave me strength, and I also tried to give that strength to my art and my daughter," she stated while receiving the award. For Rokeya Sultana, art is a lifelong journey - one that embodies both victory and struggle. Her Ekushey Padak 2025 stands as a recognition of this journey, as well as a tribute to the resilience of women across Bangladesh and beyond. Her artistic journey has been one of passion, perseverance, and dedication to portraying the essence of life through colors and forms. Rokeya Sultana’s work, inspired by the rhythms of nature and human emotions, reflects the struggles and triumphs of ordinary people - especially women. A pioneering artist in the country, Rokeya Sultana has long been an advocate for women’s empowerment through art. Her celebrated series, "Earth, Water & Air" and "Fata Morgana," showcase innovative techniques she mastered during her Fulbright scholarship at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Using Monotype Pressure Prints, she layers colors to symbolize the passage of generations and the timeless rhythm of life. As the proud daughter of a freedom fighter, Rokeya was deeply influenced in her early years by the brutal war that resulted in the establishment of the nation-state of Bangladesh in 1971. Her painting was influenced by a strong sense of cultural identification. She talks about the power of intuition and creativity, which can be feminine qualities that lead to universal truths, as well as difficulties related to women. Revered as a Professor at the Dhaka University Faculty of Fine Art’s Department of Printmaking, she was previously the department chair and an active artist at home and beyond, winning many National and International awards and artistic accolades. Born in Chittagong in 1958, Rokeya received her MFA in printmaking from Visva Bharati, Santiniketan, in 1983, after graduating from the Bangladesh College of Arts and Crafts in 1980. An internationally renowned printmaking artist and painter, Rokeya Sultana has won numerous awards both domestically and internationally. She has been recognised and awarded for her work at the Asian Biennale, the National Art Exhibition, and the Bharat Bhaban Biennale in India, a residence fellowship at L'Atelier Lacouriere et Frelaut, Paris and a prestigious Fullbright grant from the United States, which supported her nine-month artist's residency at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Her works have been showcased in a number of nations, including Poland, Germany, Morocco, Oman (Bait Al Zubair Museum), France, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Taiwan, Nepal, Korea, Denmark, Pakistan, India, USA’s Denver & New York (Art Student League), and Japan. Besides her latest honor, her other notable awards are the Purchase Award, Somerstown Gallery, 4th Biennial, NY, USA (1992), Grand Prize in the 3rd Bharat Bhavan Print Biennale (1995), Bengal Foundation Award in the 14th National Art Exhibition (1999), Honourable Mention in the 9th Asian Art Biennale (1999), Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Award in the National Art Exhibition (2002). In 2003, Sultana availed of a French government scholarship at L'Atelier Le Couriere et Frelaut in Paris, and she became an Artist in Residence at Open Print Studio, Toronto, Canada, in 2017. Currently dividing her time between Dhaka and Sydney, Sultana continues to promote Bangladeshi art on the global stage, bridging modern and traditional styles. Her contributions have not only enriched the country’s artistic heritage but also paved the way for future generations of female artists.  

After dedicating over five decades to photography and shaping the visual history of Bangladesh, renowned photographer Nasir Ali Mamun was finally recognised with the Ekushey Padak this year, after being nominated for the past five years, and being denied each time. This year, he finally received the country’s second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh, an honour he had long awaited. The government awarded the Ekushey Padak 2025 to 14 eminent citizens and the Bangladesh women's national football team on February 20, in recognition of their contributions to their respective fields. The solo recipients are: eminent poet Helal Hafiz (posthumous) and Shahidul Zahir (posthumous) for their contributions in language and literature; Azizur Rahman (posthumous) for film; Ustad Nirad Baran Barua (posthumous) and Ferdous Ara for music; Mahfuz Ullah (posthumous) for journalism; Dr Mahmudur Rahman for journalism and human rights, Dr Shahidul Alam for culture and education; Dr Niaz Zaman for education; Bangla language software Avro founding team (Mehdi Hasan Khan, Rifat Nabi, Md Tanbin Islam Siam and Shabab Mustafa) for science and technology; Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury (posthumous) for social service; Moidul Hasan for research; Rokeya Sultana for painting and Nasir Ali Mamun for photography. "Every year for the past five years, I was nominated for the Ekushey Padak but was denied at the last moment. This time, after facing rejection for five consecutive years, I finally received it. The pain that had accumulated over these years has now ended, and this recognition brings me immense joy," Mamun said in a special interview with UNB. Nasir Ali Mamun, widely known as the pioneer of portrait photography in Bangladesh, believes that national recognition is the rightful due of those who dedicate their lives to creative endeavours for the country. "As an independent photographer, this award was my right - and I believe I truly deserved it because, in this field, I am one of the most qualified among the living. Receiving this honor in photography has been my dream and a long-standing expectation," he said. Reflecting on his journey, Mamun recalled how he started as a young, passionate photographer in 1971, at the age of 17. Garden Gallery Cosmos welcomes Spring with daylong ‘Live Drawing, Watercolour Session & Exhibition’ "Many may not be able to imagine today how, 54 years ago, a young boy embarked on a lifelong journey with photography. This journey - marked by dedication, obstacles, and breakthroughs - is perhaps more dramatic than a novel or a film," he said on the stage after receiving his Ekushey Padak from the chief adviser, Dr Muhammad Yunus, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. His deep curiosity about notable personalities and various subjects led him to photography. "I was drawn to the magical device called the camera - but back then, I had no personal camera, no formal training in photography. In the early days, many of the personalities I wanted to photograph, would initially refuse to give me time; but I approached them with a different proposition.” “I convinced them by saying, 'You spend money and time going to studios for photos, but those images do not capture your real image; as they are overly retouched and artificial. Let me bring the studio to your home and capture your true self.' This intrigued many, and gradually, they started trusting me," Mamun recalled while receiving his honour. Ekushey Padak 2025 reflects govt’s cultural vision: Farooki

Chief Adviser Prof Dr Muhammad Yunus on Thursday said Bangladesh’s young generation is confident and prepared to lead, not only in building a new Bangladesh but also in shaping a new world. “The dreams of the young generation are bolder than those of any previous generation. They want to lead in building a new world. Both our sons and daughters are prepared,” he said at the Ekushey Padak distribution function at Osmani Memorial Auditorium here. Dr Yunus said the nation is now stronger, more dynamic and more creative. “The young generation seeks to break free from a decaying, self-destructive civilisation and build a new one based on their dreams. The core objective of this new civilisation will be to ensure equal rights for all people over the world's resources, to guarantee every person the opportunity to dream and realise those dreams and to structure human life in a way that neither disrupts the existence of the planet nor threatens the well-being of all living beings inhabiting it." Bangladesh’s Youth Festival 2025 concludes with a call for change He expressed the high hope for the quick realisation of the youths’ dreams. Fourteen eminent citizens and the Bangladesh women's national football team received the Ekushey Padak 2025 in recognition of their contributions to their respective fields. He also congratulated those who were recognised for their contributions towards shaping the country’s future. As guiding lights of the country, their achievements inspire confidence that Bangladesh will continue to establish itself in a stronger position on the global stage, he said. The Chief Adviser also remembered the courageous people who sacrificed their lives for the country in various struggles—the Language Movement of 1952, the great Liberation War of 1971, and the mass uprising of 2024.

At 91, a yogurt seller from Chapainawabganj’s Bholahat upazila, Ziaul Haque, may have missed out on formal education himself, but he has been a beacon of learning for hundreds in his community. Living in Chamamusribhuja village, Ziaul has dedicated his life to social welfare, significantly impacting the lives of those around him through education and various community services. In recognition of his lifelong commitment to bettering the lives of others, Ziaul was awarded the ‘Ekushey Padak,’ the country’s second-highest civilian honor, this year in the social service category. A testament to his dedication, Ziaul has been a familiar face in his community, selling yogurt for over six decades. Read: BSCIC officials’ training on salt iodization underway in Cox’s Bazar The Cultural Affairs Ministry announced the award on February 13, placing Ziaul in the esteemed company of other notable awardees. His contributions have previously earned him accolades, including the ‘Shada Moner Manush’ award in 2006. Upon receiving the news, an elated Ziaul expressed his joy and humility, seeing the recognition as a motivation to continue his social work. Despite the challenges of poverty that cut his own educational journey short after class five, Ziaul turned his circumstances into a mission to support the educational aspirations of others in his community. He has been particularly supportive of financially disadvantaged but talented students, offering books and academic materials funded by his yogurt sales. In 1969, Ziaul established a home library now boasting around 14,000 books, from novels to educational texts, which he offers free to local students. His generosity extends beyond education; he has provided housing for the homeless, dug wells for clean drinking water, and donated winter clothing and Qurans to madrasa students. Reflecting on his contributions, Ziaul finds deep satisfaction in the educational opportunities he has been able to provide, valuing the progress of local children over his own educational setbacks. His efforts have kept many children in school, a legacy he is proud to leave behind. Read: Scholastic student wins global coding competition Ziaul's family, along with the entire district, celebrates this well-deserved recognition. Local journalist Rubel Ahmed and many others in Bholahat commend Ziaul’s spirit and integrity, acknowledging the profound impact of his library and philanthropy on the community’s youth and educators alike. Ziaul Haque’s story is a powerful reminder of the difference one individual can make in the lives of many.

Twenty-one eminent personalities will get the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, this year in recognition of their contributions to various fields. The Cultural Affairs Ministry announced the names of the recipients on Wednesday. Gallery Cosmos felicitates Ekushey Padak 2023 recipient Kanak Chanpa Among them, Ashraf Uddin Ahmed (Posthumous) and Freedom fighter Hatem Ali Mia (Posthumous) have been selected for their roles in the Language Movement. Besides, Jalal Uddin Kha, (Posthumous) Freedom fighter Kalyani Ghosh, Bidit Lal Das (Posthumous), Andrew Kishore (Posthumous) and Subhro Deb,are being recognised for their contributions to music while Shibli Mohammad, Dolly Zahur and MA Alamgir for performing dance and acting, respectively. Ekushey Padak-winning dancer, actor Zinnat Barkatullah passes away Popular elocutionist Shimul Mustapha and Rupa Chakraborty were also listed as recipients of the Ekushey Padak. Shahjahan Ahmed Bikash and Kawsar Chowdhury have been selected for their contribution in painting and documentary films related to the Liberation War. Ekushey Padak winning sculptor Shamim Sikder no more Md Ziaul Haque and Rafiq Ahmed were picked for social service. Meanwhile, Muhammad Samad, Lutfur Rahman Riton, Minar Mansur and Rudra Mohammad Shahidullah are getting the award for contributing to language and literature while Jinabodhi Bhikkhu will picked for his contribution in education.

Nineteen eminent personalities and two institutions will get the country’s second highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, this year in recognition of their contributions to various fields. The Cultural Affairs Ministry announced the names on Sunday. Khaleda Manzoor-e Khuda, freedom fighter AKM Shamsul Haque (posthumous) and Haji Mohammad Majibor Rahman have been selected for their roles in the Language Movement. Besides, Masud Ali Khan and Shimul Yusuf have been chosen for their contributions in acting while Manoranjan Ghoshal, Gazi Abdul Hakim and Fazal-e-Khuda (posthumous) for music. Meanwhile, Jayanto Chattopadhyay (artiste), Nawazish Ali Khan(artiste), and Kanak Chanpa Chakma (artiste) have been picked up for Ekushey Padak. Also read: Ekushey Padak handed over to 24 eminent personalities Momtaz Uddin (posthumous) has been selected for contributions in the Liberation War, Shah Alamgir (posthumous) for journalism, Abdul Majid for research, Prof. Dr. Mazharul Islam (posthumous) for education, Saiful Haque for social service, Advocate Manjurul Islam (posthumous) for politics, Akhter Uddin Mia (posthmous) for politics and Dr. Maniruzzaman for contributions in language and literature. Besides, two institutions -Bangladesh National Museum for education and Bidyanondo Foundation for social service- have been picked for the award.  

Ekushey Padak winning journalist and columnist Ranesh Maitra passed away in a city hospital early Monday. He was 90. He breathed his last at Popular Hospital in the early hours today. Ranesh Maitra left behind his wife Purabi Maitra, two sons, three daughters and a host of relatives and well-wishers. Deputy Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Md Shamsul Haque Tuku expressed his condolences at the demise of Maitra. Born on October 4 in 1933 in Nahata village of Rajshahi district, Maitra completed his IA in 1955 and BA in 1959 from Govt Edward College in Pabna. He started his career as a journalist in the weekly newspaper ‘Noubelal’ published from Sylhet in 1951. He was awarded Ekushey Padak in 2018 for his contribution in journalism.

Eminent Nazrul exponent, researcher and Ekushey Padak conferred Nazrul singer Khairul Anam Shakil has been appointed by the government as the new trustee board Chairman of Kabi Nazrul Institute on Tuesday. The Ministry of Public Administration issued a gazette notification on Tuesday regarding his appointment for the next 3 years. Having graduated from Leeds Beckett University, UK in Industrial Engineering in 1984, Khairul Anam Shakil is one of the most renowned and respected Nazrul singers and researchers. Also Read: Nazrul’s 123rd birth anniversary Wednesday Before becoming successful in his genre, Shakil learned music from his uncle Mahmudur Rahman Benu and other music maestros in Bangladesh including Narayan Chandra Basak, Ustad Mohammad Sageeruddin Khan, Sheikh Lutfur Rahman, Sohrab Hossain and Anjalee Ray. Khairul Anam Shakil is the current Vice President of Chhayanaut, General Secretary of Bangladesh Nazrul Sangeet Sangstha and a faculty member of the Department of Music at the University of Dhaka. For his excellence in music as an eminent Nazrul exponent, he received Ekushey Padak in 2019 and Nazrul Award from the Kazi Nazrul Institute in 2017. Kabi Nazrul Institute was established in February 1985, with prominent journalist Mohammad Nasiruddin, being the maiden chairman of the trustee board.  

Twenty- four eminent personalities on Sunday received Ekushey Padak, the country’s second highest civilian award, in recognition of their contributions to various fields. Liberation War Affairs Minister AKM Mozammel Huq distributed the prestigious award among the award recipients on behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The programme was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium while the Prime Minister joined virtually from her official residence Ganobahban. This year Mostafa MA Matin (posthumous), and Mirza Tofazal Hossain Mukul (posthumous) have been recognised for their roles in the Language Movement. Zeenat Barkatullah has been recognised for her contributions to dance while Nazrul Islam Babu (posthumas), Iqbal Ahmed, Mahmudur Rahman Benu for music, and Khaled Mahmud Khan (posthumas), Afzal Hossain, Masum Aziz for acting. READ: 24 eminent personalities named for Ekushey Padak Alhaj Md Motiur Rahman , Syed Muazzem Ali(posthumas), QABM Rahman, Amzad Ali Khandaker  have been recognised for their contributions to the Liberation War. MA Malek got the recognition for contributions to journalism while Md Anwar Hossain for role in science and technology, and Prof Gautam Buddha Das for education. SM Abraham Lincoln and Sangharaj Gyanasree Mahather have been recognised for their contributions to social work and Kamal Chowdhury, Jharna Das Purkayastha for contributions for language and literature. Dr Md Enamul Huq, Dr Shahanaj Sultana and Dr Jannatul Ferdous as a team and Dr Abdus Sattar Mandal as an individual got the Ekushey Padak for their contributions to research this year. READ: Drama troupe Mahakal honours Ekushey Padak recipients State Minister for the Cultural Affairs Ministry KM Khalid presided over the programme.

Twenty-four eminent personalities will get the country’s second highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak, this year in recognition of their contributions to various fields. The Cultural Affairs Ministry announced the names on Thursday. Mostafa MA Matin (posthumous), and Mirza Tofazal Hossain Mukul (posthumous) have been selected for their roles in the Language Movement. Zeenat Barkatullah is being recognised for her contributions to dance while Nazrul Islam Babu (posthumas), Iqbal Ahmed, Mahmudur Rahman Benu for music, and Khaled Mahmud Khan (posthumas), Afzal Hossain, Masum Aziz for acting. Alhaj Md Motiur Rahman , Syed Muazzem Ali(posthumas), QABM Rahman, Amzad Ali Khandaker are being recognised for their contributions to the Liberation War. Read: Bangla Academy confers eminent personalities with Awards, Honorary Fellowship for 2021 MA Malek is being recognised for contributions to journalism while Md Anwar Hossain for role in science and technology, and Prof Gautam Buddha Das for education. SM Abraham Lincoln and Sangharaj Gyanasree Mahather will be recognised for their contributions to social work and Kamal Chowdhury, Jharna Das Purkayastha for contributions for language and literature. Dr Md Enamul Huq, Dr Shahanaj Sultana and Dr Jannatul Ferdous as a team and Dr Abdus Sattar Mandal as an individual  get the Ekushey Padak for their contributions to research this year.