Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has awarded the country’s second highest civilian honour, the Ekushey Padak-2026, in recognition of their unique contributions to important areas of the state . The medals were presented to nine eminent individuals and one institution at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Thursday.
This year’s recipients include Farida Akhter Babita in acting, Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar in fine arts, Marina Tabassum in architecture, Ayub Bachchu posthumously in music, Arthi Ahmed in dance and Islam Uddin Palakar in singing. Shafiq Rehman in journalism, Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumder in education and Tejas Halder in sculpture received the Jos Padak. Popular band Warphase was also honored for its overall contribution to music.
This medal, awarded since 1976, has been given in recognition of national contributions in the fields of language, culture, education, research, and social work—in continuation of the spirit of Ekushe.