Seventeen eminent personalities have been named as recipients of the Ekushey Padak-2017 in recognition of outstanding contribution in their respective fields.

A press release was issued by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs in this regard this evening.

The awardees are: Professor Dr Sharifa Khatun (language movement), Shushama Das ( music), Julhas Uddin Ahmed (music), Ustad Ajijul Islam (music), Tanvir Mokammel (film), Syed Abdullah Khalid (sculpture), Sara Zaker (acting), Abul Momen (journalism), Syed Akram Hossain (research), Professor Emeritus Sr Alamgir Mohammad Sirajuddin (education), Dr Zamilur Reza Choudhury (science and technology), Professor Sr Mahmud Hasan (social welfare), Late Poet Omar Ali (language and literature), Sukumar Barua (language and literature), Swadesh Roy (journalism), Shamim Ara Nipa (choreography), and Rahmatullah Al Mahmud Selim (music).

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will formally present the Ekushey Padak to the awardees on February 20 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium.