The interim government, led by Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus, has announced the recipients of the prestigious Ekushey Padak 2025, the second-highest civilian award in Bangladesh.

A total of 15 individuals and organisations have been selected for their contributions in various fields, including sports, arts, literature, and social service.

The Ministry of Cultural Affairs published the official list of honourees today, with the Bangladesh women's national football team recognised in the sports category for their remarkable achievements.

The other awardees include:

Science and Technology: Mehdi Hasan Khan

Film: Azizur Rahman (posthumously)

Music: Ustad Nirad Baran Barua (posthumously), Ferdous Ara

Photography: Nasir Ali Mamun

Painting: Rokeya Sultana

Journalism: Mahfuz Ullah (posthumously), Mahmudur Rahman (also recognised for human rights)

Culture and Education: Dr Shahidul Alam

Education: Dr Niaz Zaman

Social Welfare: Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury (posthumously)

Language and Literature: Helal Hafiz (posthumously), Shahidul Zahir (Md Shahidul Haque) (posthumously)

Research: Moidul Hasan

The Ekushey Padak, introduced in 1976, is awarded annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to various sectors. The award ceremony is expected to take place on February 21, International Mother Language Day.