Prime Minister confers Ekushey Padak 2026

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the prestigious 'Ekushey Padak 2026' to distinguished individuals and an music organisation in recognition of their outstanding contributions across various fields.

The ceremony was held at 11:00am in the capital's Osmani Memorial Auditorium Thursday (February 26).

This year, the award was conferred on ten individuals and the music band Warfaze for achievements in film, fine arts, architecture, music, theatre, journalism, education, sculpture, and dance.

Notable recipients include actress Farida Akhtar Babita (Film), Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts), Marina Tabassum (Architecture), Ayub Bachchu (Music), Arthy Ahmed (Dance), Islam Uddin Palakar (Palagan), Shafik Rehman (Journalism), Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education), Tejosh Haldar Josh (Sculpture), and Warfaze (Music Band).

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said honouring contributors in arts, culture, education, journalism, and creative fields is a matter of national pride.

Cabinet members, senior military and civilian officials, and other dignitaries attended the event.

Earlier, on February 5, the interim government had nominated nine eminent individuals and the band Warfaze for the 2026 Ekushey Padak.

Following the award ceremony, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the country’s largest cultural fair, the Amar Ekushey Book Fair, at Bangla Academy and Suhrawardy Udyan grounds, interacting with authors and publishers during her visit.