Ekushey Padak Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Ekushey Padak

Presented by	Government of Bangladesh
Country	Bangladesh

The Ekushey Padak (pronounced "Ek-oo-shay Poh-dok") is a very important award in Bangladesh. It's the second highest award a civilian can receive. This special medal was created to remember the brave people who died during the Bengali language movement in 1952.

The award celebrates people who have made amazing contributions to Bangladesh. This includes areas like culture, education, and even the economy. The Ministry of Cultural Affairs in Bangladesh is in charge of giving out this award.

The Ekushey Padak includes a beautiful 18-carat gold medal. It weighs about 3 tolas, which is a traditional unit of weight. The famous artist Nitun Kundu designed this medal. Winners also receive a special certificate and a cash prize. The cash prize has increased over the years. It was ৳25,000 at first, then ৳100,000 in 2015, ৳200,000 in 2017, and as of November 2019, it is ৳400,000.

What Does "Ekushey" Mean?
How Are Winners Chosen?
Different Areas of Achievement
Past Award Winners
See also

What Does "Ekushey" Mean?

The word Ekushey (একুশে) is very meaningful for people in Bangladesh. It refers to February 21, 1952. On that day, students were protesting for the Bengali language to be an official language in Pakistan. Sadly, some students were killed by law enforcement. This day is now remembered as Language Movement Day and International Mother Language Day.

How Are Winners Chosen?

Choosing who receives the Ekushey Padak is a careful process. Here's a simple way it works:

Government offices, universities, and the public can suggest names of people or groups.
People who have won the Ekushey Padak or the Independence Medal before can also suggest new nominees.
Those who suggest a person must write a short story about their achievements.
A special committee looks at all the suggestions and makes a first list.
This list is then reviewed by a cabinet committee and approved by the Prime Minister.
Once approved, the names of the winners are announced in early February on TV, radio, and in newspapers.
The Ministry of Culture contacts the winners to make sure they accept the award.
If someone doesn't want to accept the award, their name is not included in the final list.
The President or Prime Minister of Bangladesh presents the Ekushey Padak to the winners.

Different Areas of Achievement

The Ekushey Padak is given for contributions in many different fields. Here are some of them:

Ekushey Padak for Arts and Culture

This award celebrates unique contributions to the arts in Bangladesh. This includes music, acting, dance, drama, and films. The first people to receive this award in 1977 for their work in art were Abdul Alim, Altaf Mahmud, Gul Mohammad Khan, Ferdousi Rahman, Zaheer Raihan, and Rashid Choudhury.

Ekushey Padak for Economy

This award recognizes special contributions to Bangladesh's economy. It was first given in 2013. The first person to receive it for economics was Dr. Moynul Islam.

Ekushey Padak for Education

This award honors people who have made unique contributions to the education system in Bangladesh. It was first given in 1976. The first winners in education were Muhammad Qudrat-i-Khuda and Muhammad Mansur Uddin.

Ekushey Padak for Journalism

This award is for outstanding work in journalism. It was first given in 1976. The first winners in journalism were Tofazzal Hossain Manik Miah, Abul Kalam Shamsuddin, and Abdus Salam.

Ekushey Padak for Language Movement

This is one of the most important categories. It recognizes contributions to the Bangla Language Movement of 1952. In 2000, the Language Martyrs Barkat, Jabbar, Salam, Rafiq, Shafiur, and language soldier Gaziul Haque received this award.

Ekushey Padak for War of Liberation

This award honors contributions to Bangladesh's Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. It was first given in 2013. Social Welfare Minister Enamul Haque Mostafa Shahid was the first to receive it for his role in the Liberation War.

Ekushey Padak for Literature

This award is given to people who have made special contributions to Bengali literature. It was first given in 1976. The first winners in literature were Kazi Nazrul Islam, Natyaguru Nurul Momen, Jasim Uddin, Abdul Quadir, and Sufia Kamal.

Ekushey Padak for Research

This award recognizes unique contributions to research in Bangladesh. It was first given in 2003. The first person to receive it for research was Abdul Mannan Syed.

Ekushey Padak for Science and Technology

This award is given by the Government of Bangladesh for special contributions in science and technology. It was first given in 2000. The first person to receive it was Jamal Nazrul Islam.

Ekushey Padak for Social Service

This award is given by the Government of Bangladesh for unique contributions to social service. It was first given in 2000. The first person to receive it was Mohiuddin Ahmed.

Past Award Winners

Winners of Ekushey Padak 2014

You can find lists of past winners for different decades:

Ekushey Padak facts for kids

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