Monday, 6th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 16th February 2026, 1:24 PM
The Government of Bangladesh has officially announced the recipients of the Ekushey Padak 2026, the nation’s second-highest civilian honour, recognising outstanding contributions across a spectrum of fields including arts, education, journalism, and music. This year, nine distinguished individuals and one music band have been selected for this prestigious accolade.
According to a press release from the Press Information Department (PID), the honourees for 2026 are:
| Recipient | Field | Notable Contributions |
|---|---|---|
| Farida Akhtar Babita | Film | Celebrated actress with a career spanning decades, recognised nationally and internationally for cinematic excellence |
| Professor Md Abdus Sattar | Fine Arts | Renowned artist and educator, known for innovative contributions to painting and sculpture |
| Marina Tabassum | Architecture | Internationally acclaimed architect, recipient of multiple awards for sustainable and culturally rooted designs |
| Ayub Bachchu | Music | Iconic musician and guitarist, influential in shaping modern Bangladeshi music and band culture |
| Arthy Ahmed | Dance | Distinguished dancer and choreographer, known for national and international performances |
| Islam Uddin Palakar | Palagan (Folk Ballad) | Celebrated folk musician preserving and promoting traditional Bangladeshi ballads |
| Shafik Rehman | Journalism | Veteran journalist and editor with decades of influential media work |
| Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar | Education | Eminent academic and educational reformer with a lifelong contribution to teaching and research |
| Tejosh Haldar Josh | Sculpture | Contemporary sculptor recognised for innovative works in public and private spaces |
| Warfaze | Music Band | Pioneering rock band credited with shaping the modern Bangladeshi music scene |
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs annually confers the Ekushey Padak across multiple categories to honour individuals and institutions whose work has significantly enriched Bangladesh’s cultural, artistic, and intellectual landscape.
This year’s recipients reflect a wide array of achievements, from cinematic excellence and architectural innovation to the preservation of traditional music and the advancement of modern education. Notably, both Ayub Bachchu and the band Warfaze have been celebrated for their profound influence on contemporary Bangladeshi music, inspiring generations of musicians. Similarly, Marina Tabassum’s architecture projects continue to gain international recognition for their sustainable and culturally sensitive design philosophy.
The award highlights not only lifetime achievements but also the enduring impact these individuals and institutions have on society, culture, and national identity. By acknowledging excellence across such diverse fields, the Ekushey Padak 2026 underscores Bangladesh’s commitment to preserving its rich heritage while fostering creativity and innovation for future generations.
This announcement reaffirms the role of the Ekushey Padak as a symbol of national pride and recognition, inspiring others to contribute meaningfully to the nation’s cultural, intellectual, and social development.
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