The names of the recipients of the Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award, for 2026 have been announced. This year, the award will be conferred on nine distinguished individuals and one institution—the band Warfaze—in recognition of their outstanding contributions in fields including art, literature, education and journalism. Among the recipients are renowned actress Farida Akhtar Babita, senior journalist Shafik Rehman, and legendary band musician Ayub Bachchu, who will receive the award posthumously. The information was confirmed on Thursday afternoon by Shafiqul Alam, press secretary to the Chief Adviser, during a briefing at the Foreign Service Academy auditorium in the capital. Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam said the government had nominated these distinguished individuals and the institution for the Ekushey Padak in recognition of their exceptional contributions to their respective fields.

Source: Dhaka Tribune February 05, 2026 13:07 UTC