This Thursday at 11:00 am, the Prime Minister, Tarek Rahman, conferred the nation’s second-highest civilian award, the Ekushey Padak 2026, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka. The ceremony recognised nine outstanding individuals and one institution for their exceptional contributions to the fields of arts, culture, education, and journalism. Cabinet members, senior military and civil officials, members of the press, and distinguished guests attended the event.
The programme commenced with the rendition of the national anthem and readings from religious texts, setting a solemn and celebratory tone. The Prime Minister personally handed the awards to the recipients, praising their dedication and significant achievements.
Recipients of the Ekushey Padak 2026
| No. | Name | Field | Notable Contribution | Award Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Farida Akhter Bobita | Film | Internationally acclaimed actress | Individual |
| 2 | Md. Abdus Sattar | Fine Arts | Contribution to painting and education | Individual |
| 3 | Merina Tabassum | Architecture | Advancement of modern architectural design | Individual |
| 4 | Ayub Bachchu | Music | Posthumous recognition | Individual |
| 5 | Islam Uddin Palakar | Folk Theatre | Promoting rural stage culture | Individual |
| 6 | Shafiq Rehman | Journalism | Excellence in journalism | Individual |
| 7 | Mahbubul Alam Majumdar | Education | Significant contributions to teaching | Individual |
| 8 | Tejas Haldar Yash | Sculpture | Notable work in sculpture | Individual |
| 9 | Orthi Ahmed | Dance | Distinguished achievements in dance | Individual |
| 10 | Warfage | Music Band | Recognition as a band | Institution |
Voices of the Awardees
Farida Akhter Bobita, celebrated for her performance in Satyajit Ray’s Ashani Sanket, expressed her delight: “Receiving the Ekushey Padak in Language Month is one of the greatest achievements of my life. I am grateful to my co-artists, directors, and family for their unwavering support.”
Islam Uddin Palakar, honoured for promoting culture through rural folk theatre, remarked: “The villages are my inspiration. Those who find motivation in my performances are my true strength.”
Orthi Ahmed, recognised for her brilliance in dance, said: “This award will encourage young talents. Recognition comes to those who work sincerely and passionately.”
Warfage, the international music band with members from Canada, the United States, and China, received their award for the first time as a group. Band leader Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu shared, “Being acknowledged as a band is a tremendous honour and completely unexpected. This will motivate us to continue our creative journey.”
Through the Ekushey Padak 2026, Bangladesh celebrates not only individual excellence but also the enduring cultural and educational contributions that inspire future generations. The awards reaffirm the nation’s commitment to recognising and honouring exceptional talent and service.