In a move widely celebrated as a victory for “healthy entertainment,” the Government of Bangladesh has announced that Hanif Sonket, the legendary creator and host of the iconic magazine show Ittadi, is to be conferred with the Independence Award 2026. The decision was finalised during a cabinet meeting chaired at the Secretariat on Thursday, 5 March 2026.
Known affectionately as the “Magician of Words” (Kothar Jadukor), Sonket—born A.K.M. Hanif—is being honoured for his unparalleled contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape. Since the news broke, social media has been awash with tributes from fellow artists, filmmakers, and millions of viewers who view this recognition not just as a personal achievement, but as a state validation of decent, socially conscious media.
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The Architect of a Cultural Phenomenon
Hanif Sonket’s journey is inseparable from the history of Bangladesh Television (BTV). While many programmes fade with shifting trends, Ittadi has remained a household staple since its debut in March 1989. Its longevity is attributed to a “moral contract” Sonket maintains with his audience: providing entertainment that is safe for the entire family—devoid of obscenity yet sharp in its social satire.
Beyond hosting, Sonket is a polymath—a director, writer, producer, and even a composer. He famously composes and often lends his voice to the “Regional Songs” featured on Ittadi, which celebrate the unique heritage of Bangladesh’s 64 districts. By moving the show out of the studio and onto location across the country, he has created a visual cultural map of the nation.
A Profile of Excellence: Hanif Sonket’s Career Milestones
| Category | Details & Contributions |
| Primary Work | Creator, Director, and Host of Ittadi (1989–Present) |
| Literary Works | Author of Chouchapote, Epit Opit, and Dhonyobad |
| TV Direction | Aai Phire Tor Praner Baranday, Kingkortobbo, Shesh-e Eshe Obosheshe |
| Major Awards | Ekushey Padak (2010), National Environment Award, Independence Award (2026) |
| Mentorship | Protégé of the legendary Fazle Lohani |
Mentorship and the “Lohani Legacy”
Sonket’s television career began under the tutelage of the late Fazle Lohani on the programme Jodi Kichu Mone Na Koren. Sonket frequently describes Lohani as the “Father of TV Journalism” in Bangladesh and his “guardian.” This early exposure to Lohani’s modern, conscience-driven approach to broadcasting shaped Sonket’s own philosophy: that television must educate and inform as much as it entertains.
“I Dedicate This to the Viewers”
Upon receiving the news, Hanif Sonket issued a humble statement. “This achievement is not mine alone,” he remarked. “It belongs to the millions of viewers whose support has sustained my journey for decades. I believe that a healthy culture can illuminate a society and bring honour to a nation. I am committed to this path until my final breath.”
His work has often transcended entertainment, acting as a catalyst for social change. From installing deep tube wells in water-scarce hilly regions to supporting floating schools in the haors (wetlands), Ittadi has consistently highlighted “enlightened individuals” working quietly in rural corners, often prompting government authorities to take action on neglected local issues.
In an era of fragmented digital content, Hanif Sonket remains a bridge between generations—a reminder that integrity and wit can indeed become a nation’s cultural backbone.