Ekushey Padak photo session dropped, a more dignified format in works: Adviser Farooki

The traditional group photo session for Ekushey Padak award recipients has been canceled this year as part of efforts to enhance the ceremony's dignity, Cultural Affairs Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki said today (3 February).

"The ministry, after discussion, reached to decision that the traditional practice of group photo sessions would be dropped from this year's Ekushey Padak ceremony," a statement of the ministry quoted him as saying.

The adviser emphasised that the government is pursuing reforms and modernisation, prompting a reassessment of certain longstanding practices. 

He said while no objections had been raised regarding the photo session, discussions on the matter began on 2 February among various stakeholders.

Traditionally, award recipients participate in a photo session with the head of government or Bangla Academy authorities, confers the award every year.

The adviser said the decision to discontinue the practice was finalised during a ministry meeting yesterday. 

Efforts are now underway to organise the ceremony in a manner that upholds the honour and dignity of the awardees, he added.

A recent photograph of Bangla Academy literary award recipients standing behind the chief adviser, cultural adviser, and Bangla Academy officials on stage sparked widespread criticism on social media.  Netizens described the arrangement as humiliating for the awardees.