The Government of Bangladesh has officially announced the recipients of the Ekushey Padak 2026, the nation’s second-highest civilian award, recognising their remarkable contributions across diverse fields. This year, the honour will be conferred upon nine distinguished individuals and one prominent music band, highlighting achievements in arts, culture, education, and journalism.
According to a handout from the Press Information Department (PID), the awardees include stalwarts from cinema, music, architecture, dance, journalism, education, fine arts, and traditional folk performance. The list reflects both contemporary and classical contributions, demonstrating Bangladesh’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.
Ekushey Padak 2026 Recipients
| Name | Field | Brief Profile |
|---|---|---|
| Farida Akhtar Babita | Film | Renowned actress and iconic figure in Bangladeshi cinema. |
| Professor Md Abdus Sattar | Fine Arts | Eminent artist and academic, contributing to modern Bangladeshi art. |
| Marina Tabassum | Architecture | Celebrated architect known for sustainable and context-sensitive designs. |
| Ayub Bachchu | Music | Legendary rock musician and influential guitarist, noted for popularising modern Bangladeshi music. |
| Arthy Ahmed | Dance | Distinguished classical and contemporary dancer. |
| Islam Uddin Palakar | Palagan | Folk singer preserving traditional Bangladeshi narrative songs. |
| Shafik Rehman | Journalism | Veteran journalist and editor, known for critical and investigative writings. |
| Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar | Education | Academic and educator with significant contributions to higher education. |
| Tejosh Haldar Josh | Sculpture | Contemporary sculptor celebrated for innovative and public art works. |
| Warfaze | Music Band | Pioneering rock band that has shaped Bangladesh’s music landscape for decades. |
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs annually confers the Ekushey Padak to honour individuals and organisations whose work has had a profound impact on national culture, society, and intellectual life. Introduced in memory of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, the award carries immense prestige and serves as recognition of lifelong dedication and excellence.
This year’s recipients represent a wide spectrum of achievement. While Farida Akhtar Babita and Ayub Bachchu have left indelible marks in popular culture, Marina Tabassum and Tejosh Haldar Josh have contributed to shaping Bangladesh’s architectural and artistic identity. Meanwhile, traditional arts continue to thrive through figures like Islam Uddin Palakar, ensuring that folk heritage is preserved for future generations.
The inclusion of the rock band Warfaze further underlines the importance of contemporary music in the nation’s cultural narrative, recognising the role of modern artists in inspiring new generations. Collectively, these honourees exemplify the depth and diversity of Bangladesh’s creative and intellectual talents, making the 2026 Ekushey Padak awards a celebration of both tradition and innovation.