Two Bangladeshis receive India’s Padmasree !

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.