The Ekushey Padak 2026 has been awarded in recognition of outstanding contributions across a range of fields in Bangladesh. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the medals to nine individuals and one institution on Thursday, February 26, at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
The Prime Minister walked from the Secretariat to the auditorium at 11:00 am to attend the event. His daughter, Zaima Rahman, accompanied him.
This year’s recipients include Farida Akhtar Babita for her contribution to cinema; Professor Md Abdus Sattar, in fine arts; Marina Tabassum, in architecture; Ayub Bachchu, posthumously, in music; Islam Uddin Palakar, in Pala Gaan; Shafik Rehman, in journalism; Professor Mahbubul Alam Majumder, in education; Tejosh Halder Josh, in sculpture; Arthy Ahmed, in dance.
Famed rock band Warfaze was also honoured as a musical group, making history as the first rock band to have received the Ekushey Padak. Warfaze frontman Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu accepted the medal on behalf of the band.
Ayub Bachchu’s medal was received on his behalf by his wife, Ferdous Akhtar Chandana, while Shafiq Rehman collected his award in person and presented the Prime Minister with a red rose.
Speaking as chief guest, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, “The Bengali language and literature will one day shine before the world. Martyr President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of independence, first introduced the Ekushey Padak in independent Bangladesh. This is not merely a medal. Through it, we remember the historic journey of Bangladesh from the Language Movement of 1952 to the present day, and the public become acquainted with the scholars who have enriched the state and society through education, literature, art, research and practice.”
He added, “Politicising education, research and artistic or literary practice is never the mark of a civilised society. The current democratic government must work to establish a liberal democratic state system founded on moral standards so that the country can progress in education, literature, art, science and technology.”
Referring to the significance of the month of February, he said, “February 20 is a reminder of our identity. It is the lifeblood of our cultural consciousness. It was both a struggle to establish the dignity of our mother tongue and a movement to secure our rights against oppression. February is the month in which we recognise who we are.”
The Ekushey Padak was introduced in 1976 in three categories to honour language activists, linguists, writers, artists and researchers who embodied the spirit of the Language Movement. It is now awarded for distinguished contributions in at least 12 fields, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, education, research, art, science and technology.
Minister of State for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khayyam spoke as a special guest at the ceremony, which was chaired by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury. Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome address, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani read out the names and citations of the awardees.
Following the ceremony, the Prime Minister posed for photographs with the recipients before returning to the Secretariat at around noon. Cabinet members, members of parliament, diplomats and senior military and civil officials also attended the event.
