Ekushey Padak 2026: PM Honors Nine Individuals and Warfaze

The Government of Bangladesh has recognized the nation’s brightest minds and cultural icons through the prestigious Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award. In 2026, the honour was presented to nine distinguished individuals along with a legendary music band for their outstanding contributions to various sectors, including film, architecture, journalism, education, music and performing arts.

The awards were formally handed over by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka on February 26, 2026. The event was attended by senior government officials, cultural personalities and dignitaries from different sectors of society.

This year’s Ekushey Padak recipients represent decades of dedication to Bangladesh’s cultural heritage and intellectual progress. Their recognition highlights the government’s commitment to honoring individuals who have shaped the nation’s arts, culture, and knowledge sectors.

What Is the Ekushey Padak?

The Ekushey Padak is one of the most prestigious civilian awards in Bangladesh. It is awarded annually to individuals and organizations for exceptional contributions in areas such as literature, culture, education, journalism, science, social service and the arts.

Named after the historic Language Movement of 1952, the award symbolizes the country’s respect for creativity, cultural identity and intellectual achievements. Receiving the Ekushey Padak is considered a lifetime recognition for individuals who have made lasting contributions to Bangladesh’s development and cultural legacy.

Over the years, the award has honored some of the country’s most prominent personalities, including writers, musicians, educators and social activists.

Ekushey Padak 2026 Recipients

In 2026, the government announced a list of nine individuals and one band who received the prestigious recognition. The recipients were chosen for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.

The awardees include:

• Farida Akhtar Babita – Honored for her contributions to film.
• Professor Abdus Sattar – Recognized for achievements in fine arts.
• Merina Tabassum – Awarded for architecture.
• Ayub Bachchu – Honored for contributions to music.
• Islam Uddin Palakar – Recognized for theatre.
• Shafik Rehman – Awarded for journalism.
• Professor Mahbubul Alam Majumdar – Honored for contributions to education.
• Tejos Haldar Josh – Recognized for sculpture.
• Orthi Ahmed – Awarded for dance.
• Warfaze – Honored as the music group receiving the Ekushey Padak this year.

Each recipient has played a significant role in enriching Bangladesh’s cultural, artistic and intellectual landscape.On behalf of Ayub Bachchu, his wife Ferdous Akhter Chandana and, on behalf of Warfaze, its team leader Sheikh Monirul Alam received the award from the prime minister.

Ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium

The award ceremony took place at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, one of the country’s most important venues for national events. Government officials, cultural leaders, and prominent personalities gathered to celebrate the achievements of the award recipients.

The event was organized with participation from the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and was hosted by senior government officials. The ceremony highlighted the government’s recognition of individuals who have shaped Bangladesh’s identity and global reputation through their work.

The presence of leading cultural figures also reflected the importance of the Ekushey Padak as a symbol of national pride and recognition.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury said, “Ekushey Padak is not just an award; it is a symbol of gratitude to those who have contributed to our culture. Your creations are what keep our cultural heritage alive.”

In his speech, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman congratulated the awardees, stating, “At this noble ceremony today, we are honoured by the presence of many distinguished individuals who have earned admiration through their remarkable contributions to education, culture, and various branches of the arts.” He emphasised that while politicians run the state, scholars and creative minds play a crucial role in guiding society. “The more such accomplished individuals a nation has, the more enlightened it becomes in terms of prosperity and moral values,” he added.

Why Ekushey Padak Matters for Bangladesh

The Ekushey Padak is not just an award, as it represents the country’s commitment to preserving its cultural heritage and encouraging excellence. By honoring artists, writers, journalists, educators and performers, Bangladesh acknowledges the role of intellectual and creative contributions in shaping national progress.

The award also plays a key role in inspiring future generations. Young artists, researchers and professionals see these recipients as role models who demonstrate how dedication and talent can impact society.

Moreover, recognizing cultural icons strengthens Bangladesh’s global cultural identity. Many Ekushey Padak recipients have represented the country internationally through their work in music, film, architecture and academia.

Warfaze’s Recognition: A Milestone for Bangladeshi Rock Music

One of the highlights of the 2026 awards is the recognition of Warfaze, one of Bangladesh’s most influential rock bands. Over the decades, the band has helped shape the country’s modern music scene and inspired generations of musicians.

Their inclusion in this year’s Ekushey Padak list signifies the growing recognition of contemporary music and its impact on Bangladeshi culture. It also reflects how rock music has evolved from a niche genre into a major cultural force in the country.

Honouring Legends, Inspiring the Future

The Ekushey Padak 2026 ceremony highlighted the importance of celebrating individuals who have dedicated their lives to advancing Bangladesh’s culture, knowledge and creativity. From film and music to journalism and architecture, the awardees represent the diversity of talent that continues to shape the nation.

By recognizing such contributions, the government reinforces the value of intellectual achievement and cultural development in building a stronger Bangladesh.

As the nation celebrates these distinguished recipients, the Ekushey Padak remains a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving heritage, encouraging innovation and honoring those who contribute to the country’s progress.

Conclusion

The Ekushey Padak 2026 ceremony once again reaffirmed Bangladesh’s commitment to recognizing excellence across diverse fields such as arts, culture, journalism, architecture and education. By honoring individuals and groups who have made lasting contributions, the nation not only celebrates its rich heritage but also encourages future generations to pursue creativity, innovation and public service.

This year’s awardees reflect the evolving cultural and intellectual landscape of Bangladesh, where both traditional and contemporary contributions are valued. From legendary performers to educators and journalists, each recipient represents a unique chapter in the country’s ongoing story of progress.

Ultimately, the Ekushey Padak continues to serve as a symbol of national pride reminding the country that achievements in culture, knowledge and creativity are just as vital as economic and political development in shaping Bangladesh’s identity on the global stage.