Avro Keyboard Creators Honored with Ekushey Padak 2025

Feb 20, 2025
Feb 20, 2025
Avro Keyboard Creators Honored with Ekushey Padak 2025

The interim government of Bangladesh has honored all four creators of the popular Bangla typing software 'Avro Keyboard' with the prestigious Ekushey Padak. On Thursday, February 20, at 11:30 AM, interim government Chief Adviser Dr. Muhammad Yunus presented the awards to lead developer Mehdi Hasan Khan and his collaborators Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam Siam, and Shabab Mustafa.

The ceremony took place at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, where they received the honor in the Science and Technology category.

In addition to the Avro team, several other distinguished individuals were recognized for their contributions across various fields:

  • Social Service: Mohammad Yusuf Chowdhury

  • Film: Azizur Rahman

  • Music: Ustad Nirad Baran Barua

  • Journalism: Mahfuz Ullah

  • Language and Literature: Helal Hafiz and posthumously to Shahidul Zahir (Md. Shahidul Haque)

  • Journalism and Human Rights: Mahmudur Rahman

  • Culture and Education: Dr. Shahidul Alam

  • Film: Ferdous Ara

  • Research: Moeedul Hasan

  • Education: Dr. Niaz Zaman

  • Photography: Nasir Ali Mamun

  • Fine Arts: Rokeya Sultana

  • Sports: Members of the Bangladesh National Women’s Football Team, represented by Sabina Khatun and Maria Manda

Congratulating the awardees, Dr. Muhammad Yunus said, "You are the guiding lights of the nation. Inspired by your contributions, the country will continue to elevate its status among the community of nations."

He added, "We are now stronger, more dynamic, and more creative than ever before. Our young generation dreams bigger and bolder than any before them. They aspire not only to create a new Bangladesh but also to shape a new world with the same confidence."

Dr. Yunus further emphasized, "The youth want to lead the creation of this new world, and they are ready for that responsibility. They envision a civilization free from the decaying structures of self-destructive societies, aiming to ensure equal rights to all resources for every individual. Their goal is to create a world where every person can dream and realize those dreams while preserving the planet and ensuring the well-being of all living beings."

The Ekushey Padak is one of the highest civilian honors in Bangladesh, awarded annually in recognition of outstanding contributions to various fields.