In a historic first, Bangladesh’s pioneering rock band Warfaze has been included in the government’s list of nominees for the 2026 Ekushey Padak, the nation’s highest cultural honour. The recognition celebrates the band’s remarkable contribution to the country’s music and cultural landscape over the past four decades. Alongside Warfaze, nine distinguished individuals from various fields are slated to receive the 2026 Ekushey Padak. The awards ceremony is scheduled to be held later this month.
Reunion Celebration
To mark the announcement, Warfaze organised a grand reunion, bringing together both former and current members from across the globe. Attendees included members travelling from Canada, the United States, and even China. The objective was to make the Padak reception an unforgettable occasion.
Founder and guitarist Ibrahim Ahmed Kamal told Prothom Alo, “Warfaze is more than a band; it is a family. From the moment the award was announced, we planned to accept it together. Everything happened so swiftly and smoothly that it feels like a dream.”
Co-founder, bandleader, and drummer Sheikh Monirul Alam added, “Among our original line-up, only Russell Ali could not join. It is unfortunate for those who couldn’t make it. Being together with everyone would have made the celebration even more joyous.”
The Reunion Event
The reunion took place in Banani, Dhaka, on Friday. Members and their families from both home and abroad attended, creating a warm, familial atmosphere. The evening featured iftar and dinner, and was graced by industry friends who shared in the celebratory mood. Stories of the band’s early days and long-forgotten anecdotes were recounted, evoking nostalgia. Sheikh Monirul Alam reflected, “It felt like a family gathering. Everyone was deeply nostalgic—it was an incredibly joyous event.”
Warfaze’s Musical Journey
Warfaze began in 1984 when five schoolboys—Kamal (bass), Mir (guitar), Naimul (guitar), Helal (drums), and Bappi (vocals)—formed the band in Dhaka. Their journey has since become legendary, shaping the nation’s rock music scene and inspiring generations of musicians.
| Year | Key Milestone |
|---|---|
| 1984 | Formation of Warfaze; first album launch |
| 1985–1990 | Early recordings and live performances |
| 1990–2000 | Rise to national prominence through live shows |
| 2000–2010 | Addition of new members, recording projects, and international tours |
| 2010–2020 | Expansion of fanbase; evolution of modern rock style |
| 2026 | First rock band in Bangladesh to receive Ekushey Padak |
Recalling the early days, Kamal said, “At St. Joseph School, we pooled our resources to buy instruments and form Warfaze. On 6 June 1984, we performed at 89 Lakes Circus, Kolabagan. Hearing about the Padak felt like stepping back to that very day.”
Sheikh Monirul Alam, who has steered the band through its most challenging periods, commented, “Four decades have passed. This achievement belongs not only to Warfaze but to all Bangladeshi rock music enthusiasts.”
With a career spanning forty years, a profound influence on younger generations, and invaluable contributions to the nation’s rock music heritage, Warfaze has now been accorded the country’s highest cultural honour, the Ekushey Padak.