In 2013, Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy (BSA) launched the Shilpakala Padak (fine arts award) to recognise seasoned artistes for their contributions to the fields of arts, theatre, music, dance, instrumental music, folk music and film. On 19 February, seven creative personalities from different arenas received the awards at a ceremony held at National Theatre Auditorium of BSA.

President Abdul Hamid was present as chief guest at the programme. Cultural Affairs minister Asaduzzaman Noor was present as special guest. Cultural Affairs Secretary Ranjit Kumar Biswas presided over the award ceremony where BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky delivered the welcome speech.

The Shilpakala Padak 2014 winners are Lucky Enam on theatre, Ustad Bazlur Rahman Badal on dance, Pandit Amresh Roy Chowdhury on vocal, Pandit Madan Gopal Das on instrument, Syed Abdullah Khalid on fine arts, Ashraful Alom on recitation and Dr Shahidul Alam on photography.

President Abdul Hamid distributed the awards of Taka one lakh each, certificates and an uttorio. A cultural programme featuring two dance recitals and an instrumental presentation followed.

Besides, BSA has arranged an array of events comprising discussion, cultural shows, photo exhibition, docu shows marking the 41^st founding anniversary of the academy from 19 to 21 February.

On 21 February, to celebrate the International Mother Language Day, a cultural programme comprising music, dance, and recitation events will be held at the Central Shaheed Minar. Participants from foreign embassies and consulates in Bangladesh will perform in the programme organised by BSA.

Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor will be present as the chief guest, while Dhaka University vice-chancellor AAMS Arefin Siddique will be the special guest at the event which will be presided over by BSA director general Liaquat Ali Lucky.

BSA is holding a flim show featuring movies from different countries started on 17 February which will continue till 28 February.