For the first time in Bangladesh’s history, a band is set to receive the prestigious Ekushey Padak, one of the nation’s highest civilian honours. The pioneering heavy metal and hard rock band Warfaze will be awarded this state recognition in 2026, marking a historic moment for Bangladeshi music.
Speaking to Jugantor, Warfaze’s band leader and drummer, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, described the news as “truly incredible.” He admitted that he had no prior inkling of the announcement and said, “This is a recognition from the state. It is one of the most significant honours for Bangladeshi band music.”
Tipu emphasised that the award is not merely for Warfaze but represents the collective achievements of Bangladesh’s band music community. “This recognition belongs to everyone—the members who have been part of Warfaze over the years, our devoted fans, those who have supported the band at every step, and the journalists who have written about our music. We want to share this joy with all of them,” he added.
Although Waves is often cited as Bangladesh’s first heavy metal band, the genre gained real momentum in the mid-1980s, spearheaded by four bands: Warfaze, Rockstrata, In Dhaka, and Aces. Of these, Warfaze has remained the only band consistently delivering heavy metal to the Bangladeshi public, performing both nationally and internationally. The band has not only pioneered Bengali heavy metal but also inspired the emergence of Bengali heavy metal bands in Kolkata and other parts of the world.
Warfaze was formed in 1984 by Kamal, Mir, Helal, Naimul, and Bappy. Today, the classic line-up—Kamal, Tipu, Sanjoy, Babna, and Russel—remains beloved by fans. Their first album, released in 1991, was an instant hit, followed by several acclaimed releases, including:
Obak Valobasa
Jibon Dhara
Osamajik
Alo
Maharaj
Pothchola
Sotto
Over the decades, Warfaze has collaborated with some of the country’s most renowned musicians across various line-ups. Notable contributors include:
| Musician | Role/Instrument |
|---|---|
| Reshad | Guitar |
| Fuad Ibne Rabbi | Bass |
| Romel Ali | Keyboard |
| Balam | Drums |
| Bejuba Sumon | Vocal |
| Iqbal Asif Jewel | Guitar |
| Sajjad | Keyboard |
| Mizan | Drums |
| Biju | Bass |
| Oni | Vocal |
The current Warfaze line-up features Kamal, Tipu, Shams, Roger, Palash, Samir, and Soumen. Through decades of performances, recordings, and unwavering dedication, Warfaze has firmly established itself as the leading voice of Bengali heavy metal, shaping the genre in Bangladesh and beyond.
Tipu concluded, “This award is not just an accolade for Warfaze—it is a testament to the perseverance and creativity of Bangladeshi band music over decades. We are deeply honoured and grateful to share this recognition with our fans, our collaborators, and the wider musical community.”