Bobita, Ayub Bachchu among 9 individuals, Warfaze to receive Ekushey Padak 2026

The government has nominated nine distinguished individuals, including veteran actress Bobita and late band music icon Ayub Bachchu, along with popular rock band Warfaze, for Ekushey Padak 2026 in recognition of their outstanding contributions to culture, education, journalism and the arts.

The announcement was made on Thursday (February 5) by Chief Adviser’s Press Secretary Shafiqul Alam at a press conference held at Foreign Service Academy in the capital following a meeting of the Advisory Council.

The Ekushey Padak, the country’s second-highest civilian award, is conferred for notable contributions to national life.

Nominees for Ekushey Padak 2026:

1. Farida Akhtar Bobita (Film)

2. Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts)

3. Marina Tabassum (Architecture)

4. Ayub Bachchu (Music)

5. Warfaze (Music Band)

6. Arthi Ahmed (Dance)

7. Islam Uddin Palakar (Theatre)

8. Shafik Rehman (Journalism)

9. Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education)

10. Tejas Halder Jash (Sculpture)

The awards will be presented at a formal state ceremony on a later date.