Nine individuals and one band honoured for outstanding contributions to culture, education, journalism and the arts

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today distributed the “Ekushey Padak-2026” among nine individuals and one music band in recognition of their outstanding contributions to various fields.

The premier handed over the Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award, at a ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium this morning on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.

The award recipients are: Farida Akhtar Babita (Film), Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts), Marina Tabassum (Architecture), Ayub Bachchu (Music) (Posthumous), Arthy Ahmed (Dance), Islam Uddin Palakar (Palagan), Shafik Rehman (Journalism), Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education), Tejosh Halder Josh (Sculpture), and Warfaze (Music Band).

On behalf of Ayub Bachchu, his wife Ferdous Akhter Chandana and, on behalf of Warfaze, its team leader Sheikh Monirul Alam received the award from the prime minister.

Earlier, the premier arrived at the venue around 10:53am. The ceremony, organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, began with the singing of the national anthem and a recitation of religious scriptures.

Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the function, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the award-giving ceremony and read out the citations of the awardees.

State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam spoke as the special guest, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech at the function.

Cabinet members, members of parliament, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the function.