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Avro Keyboard, an open-source Bangla typing software, has been honored with the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh. This recognition celebrates the contributions of Mehdi Hasan Khan, Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam Siyam, and Shabab Mustafa. Avro's phonetic typing system democratized Bangla computing despite facing legal challenges and opposition. The award highlights the importance of open-source innovation and community-driven efforts in digital empowerment.

National Hero Award to Open-Source Software Creators: Avro Team Honored

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The Dev Craft

Let Language Be Free: The Avro Keyboard Story
A Revolutionary Innovation
The motto "Let language be free" guided the creators of Avro Keyboard, the revolutionary open-source Bangla typing software, now honored with Bangladesh's second highest civilian award. This recognition celebrates their immense contribution to Bengali digital empowerment. The award, initially offered to Mehdi Hasan Khan, was accepted only after he insisted that his co-creators—Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam Siyam, and Shabab Mustafa—also be honored.
Avro: Revolutionizing Bangla Typing
Avro Keyboard, introduced in 2003 by Mehdi Hasan Khan, was inspired by a Bangla website using Unicode on Linux. Determined to simplify Bangla typing for Windows users, Mehdi developed Avro with the motto "Let language be free." Unlike commercial software, Avro was free and open-source, allowing millions to type Bangla effortlessly. Its phonetic typing system enabled users to write Bangla using English letters, making it widely accessible across personal, professional, and academic spaces.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
Despite its success, Avro faced legal threats and opposition from competitors who saw free software as a business threat. Attempts to suppress Avro's growth failed as Mehdi and his team remained dedicated to democratizing Bangla computing. Though unrecognized for years, Avro became the most widely used Bangla typing tool.
Long-Overdue Recognition
The Bangladeshi government finally acknowledged Avro's impact, selecting Mehdi Hasan Khan for the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh. However, Mehdi declined to accept it alone, insisting his teammates also be honored. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated:

"Mehdi wasn't keen on accepting awards. Even knowing this, our cabinet announced his name to celebrate his contribution. But he insisted his co-creators share the award."

After much discussion, the government agreed to recognize all four Avro creators, emphasizing teamwork and selflessness in tech innovation.
A Legacy That Inspires
The second highest civilian award in Bangladesh, named after February 21—International Mother Language Day, honors individuals contributing to the Bengali language. Recognizing the Avro team highlights the importance of open-source innovation and community-driven efforts. The four developers, now based worldwide, will return to Bangladesh to receive the award. Their recognition is expected to inspire future developers, proving technology can preserve and empower cultures.
As Bangladesh advances digitally, Avro's legacy stands as proof that true innovation comes from passion—not financial gain or corporate backing.
Final Thoughts
Honoring Mehdi Hasan Khan, Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam Siyam, and Shabab Mustafa is not just an award—it's a long-overdue validation of their contributions. Their journey, from legal battles to transforming Bangla typing, underscores that open-source creators deserve national recognition. This award is a victory for every open-source developer, language enthusiast, and digital rights advocate who believes technology should be free and accessible to all.

Let Language Be Free: The Avro Keyboard Story
A Revolutionary Innovation
The motto &quot;Let language be free&quot; guided the creators of Avro Keyboard, the revolutionary open-source Bangla typing software, now honored with Bangladesh's second highest civilian award. This recognition celebrates their immense contribution to Bengali digital empowerment. The award, initially offered to Mehdi Hasan Khan, was accepted only after he insisted that his co-creators—Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam Siyam, and Shabab Mustafa—also be honored.
Avro: Revolutionizing Bangla Typing
Avro Keyboard, introduced in 2003 by Mehdi Hasan Khan, was inspired by a Bangla website using Unicode on Linux. Determined to simplify Bangla typing for Windows users, Mehdi developed Avro with the motto &quot;Let language be free.&quot; Unlike commercial software, Avro was free and open-source, allowing millions to type Bangla effortlessly. Its phonetic typing system enabled users to write Bangla using English letters, making it widely accessible across personal, professional, and academic spaces.
Legal Challenges and Opposition
Despite its success, Avro faced legal threats and opposition from competitors who saw free software as a business threat. Attempts to suppress Avro's growth failed as Mehdi and his team remained dedicated to democratizing Bangla computing. Though unrecognized for years, Avro became the most widely used Bangla typing tool.
Long-Overdue Recognition
The Bangladeshi government finally acknowledged Avro's impact, selecting Mehdi Hasan Khan for the second highest civilian award in Bangladesh. However, Mehdi declined to accept it alone, insisting his teammates also be honored. Cultural Adviser Mostofa Sarwar Farooki stated:

&quot;Mehdi wasn't keen on accepting awards. Even knowing this, our cabinet announced his name to celebrate his contribution. But he insisted his co-creators share the award.&quot;

After much discussion, the government agreed to recognize all four Avro creators, emphasizing teamwork and selflessness in tech innovation.
A Legacy That Inspires
The second highest civilian award in Bangladesh, named after February 21—International Mother Language Day, honors individuals contributing to the Bengali language. Recognizing the Avro team highlights the importance of open-source innovation and community-driven efforts. The four developers, now based worldwide, will return to Bangladesh to receive the award. Their recognition is expected to inspire future developers, proving technology can preserve and empower cultures.
As Bangladesh advances digitally, Avro's legacy stands as proof that true innovation comes from passion—not financial gain or corporate backing.
Final Thoughts
Honoring Mehdi Hasan Khan, Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam Siyam, and Shabab Mustafa is not just an award—it's a long-overdue validation of their contributions. Their journey, from legal battles to transforming Bangla typing, underscores that open-source creators deserve national recognition. This award is a victory for every open-source developer, language enthusiast, and digital rights advocate who believes technology should be free and accessible to all.

“The award, initially offered to Mehdi Hasan Khan, was accepted only after he insisted that his co-creators—Rifat Nabi, Tanbin Islam Siyam, and Shabab Mustafa—also be honored.”
Very cool to see someone insist others get credit as well