Life is like a peculiar film. Some lives are painted in vibrant colors, others in black and white, while some remain incomplete sketches. Yet, there are individuals who, with their dreams and hard work, create new masterpieces on the canvas of life. Mukti Mahmud is one such person.
On September 20, 2025, at the dazzling stage of Dhaka’s National Press Club, the Television Reporters Association of Bangladesh (TRAB) presented Mukti Mahmud with the prestigious “TRAB Excellent Award-2025.” He earned this recognition as the Best Director for his documentary “Protecting Every Child’s Rights is Our Commitment.”
Mukti Mahmud’s vision is akin to a camera lens—observant, inquisitive, and deeply humane. From a young age, he loved drawing, and those sketches gradually transformed into the frames of cinema. He is a multifaceted talent: a playwright, producer, actor, and director. His career boasts over a hundred advertisements, documentaries, dramas, and telefilms. He has collaborated with international organizations as well as various institutions in Bangladesh.
A glance at his journey reveals that his success is no mere stroke of luck. In 2014, he received his first award for the documentary “Street Food Vendor of Bangladesh.” Since then, he has never looked back, creating numerous works on critical themes such as society, culture, economy, children’s health, and education.
Mukti Mahmud is a versatile genius. As a producer, director, actor, and freelance media director, he has established himself as a socially conscious artist in every sphere of his work. He serves as a drama producer at Bangladesh Betar and is a member of organizations like the Bangladesh Short Film Forum, TV Drama Directors Guild, Television Program Producers Association, and Bangladesh Cine Directors Association. He has created documentaries for national institutions such as the SME Foundation, Bangladesh Petroleum Corporation, Eastern Refinery Limited, ICDDRB, and Bangladesh Jail and Police.
This award is not just a personal achievement for Mukti Mahmud but a recognition of all dedicated filmmakers. In the words of Humayun Ahmed,
“The true artist is one who leaves the world a little more beautiful.”
Mukti Mahmud is that artist, bringing light from the dark alleys of society. Each of his frames carries a message of hope, and every story is woven with the smiles of people.
The honor received on Dhaka’s stage is more than just a certificate—it is a testament to a creator’s fulfilled dreams. In the days to come, he will likely paint even grander dreams, and we, as an audience, will sail along on the vessel of those dreams.