In a recent development, the government has put forward the names of nine eminent individuals and one institution for the prestigious Ekushey Padak in 2026, a distinguished accolade in Bangladesh. The announcement was made during a press conference following the Advisory Council meeting at the Foreign Service Academy in Dhaka.
Among the notable figures selected for this honor in the cultural domain are veteran actress Farida Akhtar Babita, the late iconic musician Ayub Bachchu, folk singer Islam Uddin Palakar, and the pioneering rock band Warfaze.
Farida Akhtar Babita has garnered acclaim for her roles in acclaimed movies such as “Ashani Sanket”, “Golapi Ekhon Traine”, and “Alor Michil”, earning recognition both nationally and internationally. Her collaborations with renowned filmmakers Satyajit Ray and Zahir Raihan solidified her position as one of the most accomplished screen actresses in Bangladesh. Throughout her career, she has received multiple National Film Awards and was bestowed with the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The late Ayub Bachchu is remembered as a trailblazer in modern Bangla rock music. As the founder and lead vocalist of LRB, he produced timeless albums and hit singles that became anthems of youth, love, and rebellion. His exceptional songwriting skills and mastery of the guitar have established him as one of the country’s foremost guitarists.
Formed in 1984, Warfaze is credited with introducing hard rock and heavy metal genres to Bangladesh. With a musical journey spanning over four decades, the band has significantly influenced the country’s rock scene and inspired numerous musicians. Their iconic tracks and landmark albums, including “Boshe Achi Eka”, “Obak Bhalobasha”, “Jibondhara”, and “Oshamajik”, continue to be revered by Bangladeshi rock enthusiasts.
Islam Uddin Palakar, a renowned folk singer, is celebrated for his performances of pala gaan, a traditional narrative style popular in the haor region. Establishing his own troupe in 1989, he gained widespread recognition for renditions of classics like “Komola Rani Sagar Dighi”, “Jahangir Badsha”, “Motilal”, and “Rupkumar”. His recent collaboration on Coke Studio Bangla with the song “Deora” has further expanded his appeal to a new generation of listeners.
In addition to the entertainment realm, the government has also acknowledged the contributions of sculpture artist Tejosh Halder Josh and acclaimed dance artiste Arthy Ahmed in the arts, underscoring the diverse talent enriching Bangladesh’s cultural landscape today.
