Bangladesh is set to celebrate its cultural icons as the government announces the recipients of the 2026 Ekushey Padak, one of the nation’s highest civilian awards. Nine individuals and one institution have been selected this year, with several legendary figures in film, music and folk traditions recognised for their lifelong contributions.
The announcement was made following an Advisory Council meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka on Thursday. In the cultural category, veteran actress Farida Akhtar Babita, the late rock legend Ayub Bachchu, folk singer Islam Uddin Palakar and pioneering rock band Warfaze have been honoured.
Babita’s award recognises a career that helped define Bangladeshi cinema. She received acclaim for roles in ‘Ashani Sanket’, ‘Golapi Ekhon Traine’ and ‘Alor Michil’. Collaborations with filmmakers Satyajit Ray and Zahir Raihan brought her international recognition, while multiple National Film Awards and a Lifetime Achievement Award underscore her enduring influence.
The posthumous honour for Ayub Bachchu celebrates his role as a trailblazer in modern Bangla rock. As founder and frontman of LRB, he produced songs and albums that became anthems for generations. Renowned for his songwriting and guitar mastery, Bachchu remains a defining figure in contemporary Bangladeshi music.
Warfaze, formed in 1984, is credited with introducing hard rock and heavy metal to Bangladesh. The band has inspired multiple generations and produced landmark songs such as ‘Boshe Achi Eka’, ‘Obak Bhalobasha’ and ‘Jibondhara’, alongside albums including ‘Warfaze’, ‘Obak Bhalobasha’ and ‘Oshamajik’.
Folk singer Islam Uddin Palakar has been recognised for his dedication to pala gaan, a traditional narrative musical form from the haor region. Since forming his troupe in 1989, he has performed stories such as ‘Komola Rani Sagar Dighi’ and ‘Jahangir Badsha’. His recent rendition of ‘Deora’ on Coke Studio Bangla introduced his work to a new generation.
The list also includes sculptor Tejosh Halder Josh and celebrated dance artist Arthy Ahmed, highlighting the breadth of talent shaping Bangladesh’s cultural landscape today.
