Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the ‘Ekushey Padak-2026’, the country’s second-highest civilian award, to nine distinguished individuals and the legendary rock band Warfaze in recognition of their outstanding contributions to various fields.
The awards were handed over during a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Thursday morning. The Prime Minister attended the event as the chief guest, honoring those who have shaped the cultural and intellectual landscape of Bangladesh.
The Awardees of 2026
This year, the prestigious gold medal and citation were awarded across several categories:
- Acting: Farida Akhter Babita
- Music (Posthumous): Ayub Bachchu
- Music (Band): Warfaze
- Journalism: Shafik Rehman
- Architecture: Marina Tabassum
- Fine Arts: Professor Md. Abdus Sattar
- Education: Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumdar
- Dance: Orthi Ahmed
- Folk Song (Palagaan): Islam Uddin Palakar
- Sculpture: Tejas Halder Josh
In a poignant moment, Ferdous Akhter Chandana, the wife of the late rock legend Ayub Bachchu, accepted the award on his behalf. Meanwhile, the leader of Warfaze, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, received the honor for the band.
The Ceremony
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue at approximately 10:53 AM. Organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the program commenced with the national anthem and recitations from holy books.
The ceremony was presided over by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani conducted the proceedings and read out the citations for the awardees.
Special guest State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Cultural Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman also addressed the gathering. The event was attended by cabinet members, members of parliament, diplomats, and high-ranking civil and military officials.
