The government has nominated 14 distinguished people and Bangladesh Women’s National Football Team for Ekushey Padak, the country's second highest civilian award, this year in recognition of their contributions to different fields.Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki revealed the names of the recipients in a press conference at the Secretariat on Thursday, February 6.Poet Helal Hafij (posthumous) and Shahidul Jahir (posthumous) will receive the award in language and literacy category.Azizur Rahman (posthumous) will get the prize in film, Ustad Nirod Baran Barua and Ferdous Ara in music, Nasir Ali Mamun in photography, and Rokeya Sultana in painting.Mahfuz Ullah (posthumous) has been nominated for the award for journalism, while Mahmudur Rahman has been chosen for journalism and human rights.Dr Shahidul Alam to receive the award in culture and education category, Dr Niaz Zaman in education, Mehedi Hasan Khan in science and technology, and Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury (posthumous) in social service.

Moidul Hasan has been nominated for the Ekushey Padak in research. In addition, the Bangladesh National Women's Football Team will get the award in sports.As per policy, selected persons will be given cash Tk 4 lakh, a gold medal, a replica and a certificate of honor.