For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a band is set to receive the prestigious Ekushey Padak, the nation’s second-highest civilian award. The accolade for 2026 will be conferred upon Warfaze, the pioneering band widely regarded as the flagbearer of Bengali heavy metal and hard rock.
Reacting to the announcement, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, Warfaze’s drummer and band leader, told Jugantor: “This is truly unbelievable! I had no idea this was coming. It is a recognition from the state, and for Bangladeshi band music, it is a landmark achievement.”
Tipu emphasised that the honour belongs to everyone involved in Bangladesh’s band music scene: “This recognition is for all of us—every member of Warfaze from its inception to the present, our loyal fans, those who have supported the band over the years, and the journalists who have written about our music. We want to share this joy with everyone.”
Although Waves is often cited as Bangladesh’s first heavy metal band, the genre’s true surge began in the mid-1980s. Four bands led this wave: Warfaze, Rockstrata, In Dhaka, and Aces. Of these, Warfaze remains the only band still actively delivering heavy music to audiences in Bangladesh and abroad. Over the decades, they have not only pioneered Bengali heavy metal but have also helped popularise the genre across the subcontinent. Many contemporary Bengali heavy metal bands in Bangladesh, Kolkata, and beyond have drawn inspiration from Warfaze’s music.
Founded in 1984 by Kamal, Mir, Helal, Naimul, and Bappi, Warfaze has maintained a classic lineup widely celebrated by fans: Kamal, Tipu, Sanjoy, Babna, and Russell. Their first album, released in 1991, immediately made an impact, followed by a string of influential releases: Obak Bhalobasha, Jibondhara, Osamajik, Alo, Maharaj, Pothchola, and Sotto.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Year of Formation | 1984 |
| Founding Members | Kamal, Mir, Helal, Naimul, Bappi |
| Classic Lineup | Kamal, Tipu, Sanjoy, Babna, Russell |
| First Album Release | 1991 |
| Notable Albums | Obak Bhalobasha, Jibondhara, Osamajik, Alo, Maharaj, Pothchola, Sotto |
| Current Lineup | Kamal, Tipu, Shams, Roger, Palash, Samir, Soumen |
| Renowned Past Musicians | Reshad, Fuad Ibne Rabbi, Romel Ali, Balam, Bezbaba Sumon, Iqbal Asif Jewel, Sajjad, Mizan, Bijoy, Oni |
Over the years, Warfaze has seen numerous prominent musicians join its ranks, contributing to the band’s evolving sound. Today, the current lineup—Kamal, Tipu, Shams, Roger, Palash, Samir, and Soumen—continues to perform both nationally and internationally, sustaining the legacy of Bengali heavy metal.
With the Ekushey Padak, Warfaze has not only secured recognition for its own contributions but has also highlighted the growth and global reach of Bangladeshi heavy metal music. As Tipu remarked, this honour is a celebration for the entire Bangladeshi music community, marking a historic milestone in the nation’s cultural landscape.
