Among the Padma Shri awardees this year, several prominent personalities are from Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's Liberation War veteran Lt Col (Retd) Quazi Sajjad Ali Zahir received the prestigious Padmashri award from President Ram Nath Kovind for his contribution to public affairs.

The 71-year old Zahir, who had taken part in the Liberation War in Sylhet region in 1971, was handed over the highest civilian award by the President at the Rashtrapati Bhawan.

Zahir had taken part in the Liberation War in the Sylhet region in 1971.

According to the Daily Star, the citation described him as ‘Bangladesh Liberation War Veteran, and founder of 'Shudhoi Muktijuddho' providing recognition to indigenous war veterans.’

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The newspaper also reported that career diplomat Syed Muazzem Ali was honoured with Padma Bhushan (posthumously).

Ali’s wife Tufa Zaman Ali received the award from Kovind.

Enamul Haque, founder director general of National Museum, was also honoured with the Padma Shri by Kovind at a separate investiture function at the Rashtrapati Bhavan yesterday.

Haque is not only a distinguished archeologist but is also a well known cultural activist in Bangladesh, the official citation of Padma Shri said.