Bobita honoured with Ekushey Padak, dedicates to Zahir Raihan

Eminent actress Bobita has been awarded the 2026 Ekushey Padak for her outstanding contribution to Bangladeshi cinema.

She has dedicated the state honour to legendary filmmaker and martyr Zahir Raihan, expressing deep respect for his role in shaping her acting career.

The list of Ekushey Padak recipients for 2026 was announced on Thursday. This year, nine distinguished individuals and one institution are being honoured with the country’s second-highest civilian award.

Reacting to the recognition, Bobita said she was delighted to receive the Ekushey Padak, even if later in life, and described it as a rare honour to be recognised by the state during her lifetime. She also expressed gratitude to the government and the selection committee for the award.

She thanked her fans, well-wishers and the media, noting that their continued support and encouragement had inspired her throughout her long career.

Bobita made her film debut as a child artiste in Sangsar (1968), directed by Zahir Raihan, portraying the daughter of actors Razzak and Suchanda. Recalling the beginning of her journey in cinema, she said it was Zahir Raihan who introduced her to the film industry, which is why she chose to dedicate the Ekushey Padak to him.

Bobita won her first National Film Award for Best Actress in 1975 for Badi Theke Begum, followed by awards for Noyonmoni and Basundhara. She later received additional National Film Awards for her work in films including Ramer Sumati, Hasan Raja, Pokamakorer Gharbosoti (as Best Producer) and Ke Apon Ke Por. In 2016, she was honoured with a Lifetime Achievement Award for her enduring contribution to cinema.

She also earned international acclaim for her performance as Ananga Bou in Ashani Sanket, directed by Oscar-winning filmmaker Satyajit Ray.