Nine distinguished citizens and one organisation on Thursday received the Ekushey Padak this year in recognition of their outstanding contributions to various fields.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman handed over the Ekushey Padak 2026, the country’s second highest civilian award, to the recipients and their representatives at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the morning.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced the names of the awardees on February 5, 2026, on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.
Each recipient received a gold medal weighing 35 grams, Tk 400,000 in cash and a certificate of honour.
The Ekushey Padak is awarded for significant contributions to various fields, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, arts, journalism, literature and education.
In the field of arts, actress Farida Akhter Babita received the award for film, Prof Dr Abdus Sattar for fine arts, Marina Tabassum for architecture, Arthy Ahmed for dance, Islam Uddin Palakar for pala music, and Tejos Haldar Josh for sculpture.
In music, the late Ayub Bachchu received the award posthumously. His wife, Ferdous Akhter Chandana, received the award on his behalf.
In band music, the band Warfaze was honoured with the Ekushey Padak this year. The award was received by the band’s leader, Sheikh Monirul Alam.
Shafik Rehman received the award in journalism, while Prof Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar was honoured in education.
Earlier, the Prime Minister arrived at the venue around 10:53 am. The ceremony was organised by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs.
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.
Cabinet members, Members of Parliament, noted citizens, diplomats, senior civil and military officials and other dignitaries were present at the function.