Sanjida, Quazi Sazzad receive Padma Shri award

Bangladeshi musicologist Sanjida Khatun and Lt Col (Retd) Quazi Sazzad Ali Zahir have been nominated for this year's Padma Shri award, India's fourth highest civilian honours.

Issuing a message on Monday, Indian High Commission in Dhaka also congratulated them.

Bharat Ratna, the Padma Vibhushan, the Padma Bhushan and the Padma Shri awards are given by the Government of India every year on India's Republic Day.

Padma Awards were instituted in 1954 to be awarded to citizens of India in recognition of their distinguished contribution in various spheres of activity including the arts, education, industry, literature, science, sports, medicine, social service and public affairs. It has also been awarded to some distinguished individuals who were not citizens of India but did contribute in various ways to India.

Born 4 April 1933, Sanjida Khatun completed her bachelor's in Bengali literature from the University of Dhaka in 1955. She earned her MA degree in Bangla language from Visva Bharati University in 1957. Khatun joined the faculty of the University of Dhaka to teach Bengali literature.

One of the founders of Bangladesh Mukti Sangrami Shilpi Sangstha during the Liberation War in 1971, she is also the president of Chhayanaut. Khatun was married to Wahidul Huq and has 3 children.

She received Deshikottoma Award (2012) by Visva-Bharati University, Rabindra Award (2010),  Lifetime Achievement Award (2010) by 5th Citycell-Channel I Music Awards, Bangla Academy Literary Award (1998),  Ekushey Padak (1991) and Kabi Jasimuddin Award.

Lieutenant Colonel (Retd) Quazi Sazzad Ali Zahir (Born on April 11, 1951) is a veteran of the Bangladesh Liberation war.

The Bangladesh government awarded him the title of Bir Protik for his bravery in the war.

Zahir joined the Bangladesh Liberation war in September 1971. He organized the 2nd Artillery Force under Sector 4 in the Sylhet region. At that time the Indian government gave six 105 mm artillery to the Mukti Bahini and with that a field artillery battery was formed for the Mukti Bahini. It is named Raushan Ara Battery. He was the co-captain of this group. Since October, the battery had assisted the Mukti Bahini Z Force in the greater Sylhet region with artillery fire support in various battles.

In 2013, Zahir was awarded the Bangladesh Independence Day Award, the highest civilian award, for his contribution to the liberation war.





Zahir approached Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to provide award and recognition to Indian soldiers killed in the Bangladesh Liberation war. He is co-coordinating the project with the Government of Bangladesh to provide crests to Indian soldiers killed in the war.

He founded Shuddhoi Muktijoddho to provide recognition to indigenous veterans of Bangladesh Liberation war.

LY