Mahmud is widely known for his timeless music composition, Amar Bhaier Rakte Rangano Ekushey February, Ami ki bhulitey pari? The song, which commemorates the martyrs of the Language Movement, has secured him a unique position in the hearts of the Bangladeshis. He was honoured with several National Awards.

Internationally acclaimed cameraman Baby Islam won the SAMF award. In his brief speech , an emotional Islam said, "I wish to thank SAMF for this honour. I am extremely happy to have received this award. Shaheed Altaf Mahmud's contribution to our culture, language and heritage is immense. His writings and songs should be preserved for generations to come. Thereby we can show our respect for this great composer."

After the award giving ceremony, Shaon Masud, daughter of Altaf Mahmud paid tributes to her father. In the discussion session, Shanta Sraboni presented a paper written by Sara Ara Mahmud in remembrance of her husband, Shaheed Altaf. Altaf's childhood friend and the special guest of the programme Syed Abu Naser Bakhtiar recalled, "Altaf Mahmud was one of the pioneers who struggled to preserve Bangladeshi music. Through composing and singing patriotic songs, he greatly inspired the freedom fighters and pro-Liberation forces in 1971. These were broadcast by Swadhin Bangla Betar Kendra. In addition, he actively supported the freedom fighters. This led to his arrest by the Pakistani Army from his residence on August 30, 1971. Thereafter, he was brutally killed by them."

The chief guest of the programme Air Vice Marshal (Rtd.) A K Khandokar (Biruttam) said, "Altaf Mahmud used his music as a social weapon. His songs inspired the entire nation during our Liberation War and will remain a source of inspiration to us."

Later, noted artiste and convener of the SAMF, Shimul Yusuff rendered two songs: Joy shotter joy, joy premer joy and Amar shonar chand Altaf mara gechey muktijuddhey.