Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina today distributed Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib Padak-2021, marking the birth anniversary of the majestic woman and better half of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, BSS reports.
The Premier virtually joined the Padak (Award) distribution function as chief guest at Osmani Memorial Auditorium from her official residence Ganabhaban. The Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Gopalganj also virtually connected to the function.
A total of five women were given this Padak for their outstanding contributions to their respective categories such as Independence and War of Liberation, education, culture and sports, agriculture and rural development, politics and research.
Professor Mamtaz Begum (Posthumous), a valiant freedom fighter of Brahmanbaria, was given this Padak for her contribution to Independence and War of Liberation, while Jaya Pati (Posthumous) from Tangail in education, culture and sports, Mosammad Nurunnahar Begum, an agro-entrepreneur from Pabna in agriculture and rural development, valiant freedom fighter Principal Jobeda Khatun Parul from Cumilla in politics and Nadira Jahan (Surma Zahid), a writer and researcher from Netrakona, in research.
Each awardee received a medal made of 40 gm of 18-carat gold, a cheque of Taka 0.4 million and a certificate of honour.
On behalf of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, State Minister for Women and Children Affairs Fazilatun Nessa Indira handed over the first-ever introduced Padak to the recipients, which is also the highest state honour for women in the country.
With the state minister in the chair, women and cultural affairs secretary Md Sayedul Islam delivered a welcome address.
Dr Syed Anwar Husain, Professor of "Bangabandhu Chair" at Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP) spoke at the function as keynote speaker, while Jatiyo Mohila Sangstha (JMS) Chairman Begum Chemon Ara Tayab spoke as discussant.
Besides, Principal Jobeda Khatun Parul spoke at the ceremony expressing feelings on behalf of the Padak recipients.
A documentary on the life and works of Bangamata Begum Fazilatun Nesa Mujib, mother of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, was also screened.
