This Thursday at 11:00 AM, the Prime Minister, Tarek Rahman, presided over the conferral of the country’s second-highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak 2026, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The ceremony recognised nine individuals and one institution for their distinguished contributions across the fields of arts, culture, education, and journalism. Cabinet members, senior military and civil officials, journalists, and invited guests attended the prestigious event.
The programme commenced with the national anthem, followed by readings from sacred texts, setting a solemn and celebratory tone. Prime Minister Tarek Rahman personally presented the awards to the recipients, highlighting the nation’s appreciation for their accomplishments.
Ekushey Padak 2026 Recipients at a Glance
| No. | Name | Field | Notable Contribution | Category |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farida Akhter Babita | Film | Internationally acclaimed actress | Individual |
| 2 | Md. Abdus Sattar | Fine Arts | Contributions to painting and education | Individual |
| 3 | Merina Tabassum | Architecture | Advances in modern architectural design | Individual |
| 4 | Ayub Bachchu | Music | Posthumous recognition | Individual |
| 5 | Islam Uddin Palakar | Folk Theatre | Promoting rural cultural performances | Individual |
| 6 | Shafik Rehman | Journalism | Notable contributions to journalism | Individual |
| 7 | Mahbubul Alam Majumdar | Education | Excellence in teaching and education | Individual |
| 8 | Tejas Haldar Yash | Sculpture | Significant contributions to sculpture | Individual |
| 9 | Orthi Ahmed | Dance | Contributions to dance arts | Individual |
| 10 | Warfaze | Music Band | Recognition as a pioneering music ensemble | Institution |
Reflections from Awardees
Farida Akhter Babita, internationally recognised for her role in Satyajit Ray’s Ashani Sanket, expressed her joy after receiving the award:
“Receiving the Ekushey Padak during Language Month is one of the greatest achievements of my life. I am grateful to my fellow artists, directors, and my family for their unwavering support.”
Islam Uddin Palakar, lauded for promoting rural theatre, remarked:
“The villages of Bangladesh are my inspiration. Those who listen to my performances and find encouragement are the true source of my strength.”
Orthi Ahmed, honoured for her impact in dance, reflected:
“This award will inspire the youth. Recognition comes when one works with sincerity.”
Representing the band Warfaze, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu received the award on behalf of the group, whose members hail from Canada, the United States, and China. He said:
“Being recognised as a band for the first time is a moment of pride and completely unexpected for us.”
The Ekushey Padak 2026 thus celebrates the nation’s luminaries in arts, culture, education, and journalism. Beyond honouring personal achievement, this year’s award serves as a source of inspiration for future generations, guiding them toward excellence and dedication in their respective fields.