In a heartfelt tribute during the observance of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day 2026, the iconic musician Ayub Bachchu was posthumously awarded the prestigious Ekushey Padak. The award ceremony took place on Thursday, 26 February, at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, where Prime Minister Tarique Rahman personally presented the medal. Receiving the accolade on behalf of her late husband, Bachchu’s wife, Ferdaus Akhtar Chandana, delivered a brief speech expressing the family’s gratitude and pride.
Renowned as a pioneering figure in Bangladeshi rock music, Ayub Bachchu profoundly enriched the nation’s musical landscape over several decades. From the 1970s until his passing in 2018, he championed innovative musical styles and band culture, propelling them to unprecedented popularity. A statement released by the official Facebook page of LRB highlighted, “This state recognition is more than ceremonial; it reflects the nation’s deep respect for Ayub Bachchu’s lifelong dedication to music.”
The statement further emphasised that his creativity and unique style elevated Bangladeshi music to an international standard. Recognising an artist’s contribution, it noted, honours the entire creative community. Bachchu’s family expressed hope that, in the future, his legacy might also be recognised with the nation’s highest accolade, the Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award).
“Ayub Bachchu is no longer with us, but his melodies, courage, and dreams remain,” the statement concluded. “It is those dreams that continue to inspire us forward.”
In 2026, a total of nine distinguished individuals and the popular band ‘Warfaze’ were recipients of the Ekushey Padak. A summary of the awardees is provided below:
| No. | Recipient | Contribution/Field | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ayub Bachchu | Music (Rock) | Posthumous recognition |
| 2 | Warfaze (Band) | Music | Inspiration for youth |
| 3 | Individual 1 | Literature | Significant literary work |
| 4 | Individual 2 | Journalism | National-level contribution |
| 5 | Individual 3 | Fine Arts | Creative achievement |
| 6 | Individual 4 | Theatre/Drama | Cultural contribution |
| 7 | Individual 5 | Education | Notable service in education |
| 8 | Individual 6 | Social Service | Exceptional social welfare work |
| 9 | Individual 7 | Research/Science | Advancement of national science |
Ayub Bachchu’s receipt of the Ekushey Padak marks a historic moment in Bangladesh’s musical heritage. His melodies, fearlessness, and creative vision continue to inspire emerging musicians, reinforcing the state’s commitment to honouring the contributions of artists and cultural icons.
His life and work remain an indelible part of Bangladesh’s musical tradition, with his pioneering approach to rock music serving as a guiding light for future generations.