Zahir Raihan

Awards & Honours

Awards Won

Honours

Records

Zahir Raihan's accolades are a testament to his singular place in Bangladeshi history. The Ekushey Padak, awarded in 1977, recognized his literary and cinematic achievements, while the Independence Day Award in 1992 honored his broader contributions to the nation. These are the highest civilian honors Bangladesh can bestow, and Raihan is one of the few artists to receive both. His documentary Stop Genocide has been preserved by the Bangladesh Film Archive and is screened at official state functions, ensuring that new generations understand the sacrifices of the Liberation War. His legacy continues to inspire filmmakers and activists, cementing his status as a national icon.

AwardsZahir Raihan received two major posthumous honors from the Bangladeshi government. The Ekushey Padak, one of the highest civilian awards in Bangladesh, was conferred upon him in 1977 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the arts. In 1992, he was further honored with the Independence Day Award, the nation's highest civilian honor, for his role in the Liberation War and his artistic legacy. These awards reflect his enduring impact on Bangladeshi culture and history.

Honours & Distinctions

Ekushey Padak

Government of Bangladesh·1977

Posthumous award for outstanding contribution to arts and literature.

Independence Day Award

Government of Bangladesh·1992

Posthumous award for extraordinary contributions to the Liberation War and culture.

Records & Feats

First Bangladeshi filmmaker to create an internationally impactful war documentary

Historic First·1971

Stop Genocide (1971) was among the first documentaries to expose the Bangladesh Liberation War atrocities to a global audience, significantly influencing international opinion.