Dhaka: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today distributed '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 second highest civilian award of the country, at a ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium here this morning on the occasion of the Amar Ekushey and the International Mother Language Day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the award recipients include Farida Akhtar Babita for her contributions to film, Professor Md Abdus Sattar for fine arts, Marina Tabassum for architecture, Ayub Bachchu (posthumously) for music, Arthy Ahmed for dance, Islam Uddin Palakar for palagan, Shafik Rehman for journalism, Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumdar for education, Tejosh Haldar Josh for sculpture, and Warfaze, a 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.
The ceremony, organized by the Cultural Affairs Ministry, began with the singing of the national anthem and recitation of religious scripts. The Prime Minister arrived at the venue from the secretariat on foot around 10:53 am. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the function, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the award-giving ceremony and read out the citation of the awardees.
State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam participated as the special guest, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech at the function. The event was attended by cabinet members, members of parliament, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and dignitaries.