21 to get Ekushey Padak this year

The nominations for 2019 Ekushey Padak has been announced, reports bdnews24.com.

The 21 names listed for the prestigious award include Language Movement icon Golam Arif Tipu, photographer Sayeda Khanam, late pop icon Azam Khan, actress Suborna Mustafa and novelist Imdadul Haq Milon.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs published the list on Wednesday.

Golam Arif Tipu, also a war crimes prosecutor, was named for his contribution to the 1952 Language Movement. Prof Dr Halima Khatun and Prof Monowara Islam will also be recognised for their roles during the historic movement.

Khitindra Chandra Baishya, a freedom fighter, will receive the award for his role during Bangladesh's 1971 Liberation War.

Late pop music icon Azam Khan and popular singer Khairul Anam Shakil are also among the recipients of this year's award.

Suborna Mustafa, Lucky Inam and Liaquat Ali Lucky have been named under the acting category.

Sayeda Khanam, the first female photographer of Bangladesh, has been named for the award. Artist Jamal Uddin Ahmed has been chosen under the fine arts category.

The recipients for research are Bishwajit Ghosh and Mahbubul Huq. Pranab Kumar Barua has been listed as a recipient for his contribution to education.

Rizia Rahman, Imdadul Haq Milan, Asim Saha, Anwara Syed Huq, Mainul Ahsan Saber and Harishankar Jaldas were listed as recipients under the category of language and literature.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina will hand over the awards at Dhaka's Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Feb 20.