Ayub Bachchu Honoured Posthumously with Ekushey Padak

Legendary Bangladeshi musician Ayub Bachchu has been posthumously awarded the country’s second-highest civilian honour, the Ekushey Padak 2026, in recognition of his unparalleled contribution to music. The prestigious accolade was presented by Prime Minister Tarek Rahman on Thursday, 26 February, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. Receiving the award on behalf of Ayub Bachchu was his wife, Ferdous Akhter Chandana.

In a statement shared via the official Facebook page of his band LRB, the family expressed profound gratitude, emphasising that the award is not merely a formal recognition, but a reflection of the nation’s enduring respect for Ayub Bachchu’s lifelong devotion to music. The statement highlighted that his creativity and distinctive style enriched the country’s rock music scene and elevated Bangladesh’s musical identity on the global stage.

The statement further noted that whenever the state honours an artist, it symbolically honours the entire music community. It expressed hope that this recognition would serve as inspiration for younger generations of musicians, encouraging them to pursue innovation and artistic excellence. The family also conveyed their aspiration that Ayub Bachchu may one day be further recognised with the nation’s highest award, the Independence Award.

Reflecting on his legacy, the statement concluded, “Ayub Bachchu is no longer with us, but his melodies, courage, and dreams remain. These dreams continue to guide and inspire us forward.”

This year, in recognition of exceptional contributions across various fields of national life, a total of nine distinguished individuals and the popular band Warfaze were honoured with the Ekushey Padak 2026. The following table summarises the award recipients:

The Ekushey Padak, instituted to commemorate the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, remains one of Bangladesh’s most prestigious civil awards. This year’s honourees, led by Ayub Bachchu’s posthumous recognition, underscore the nation’s commitment to celebrating excellence and preserving cultural heritage.