Prime Minister Tareq Rahman on Thursday conferred the prestigious Ekushey Padak 2026, the country’s second-highest civilian award, at a formal ceremony held at the Osmani Smriti Milonayoton in the capital. The awards were presented to nine distinguished individuals and one institution in recognition of their outstanding and nationally significant contributions across diverse fields. The ceremony was attended by cabinet members, senior military and civil officials, cultural figures, diplomats, and invited guests, reflecting the national importance of the occasion. Each recipient received a gold medal, a certificate, and a commemorative crest from the Prime Minister. Among this year’s honourees, acclaimed actress Farida Akhtar Bobita was recognized for her contribution to acting; Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar for fine arts; internationally renowned architect Marina Tabassum for architecture; legendary musician Ayub Bachchu (posthumously) for music; Arthy Ahmed for dance; Islam Uddin Palakar for traditional pala songs; journalist Shafik Rehman for journalism; Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumdar for education; and Tejas Haldar Joss for sculpture. In addition, the popular rock band Warfaze received the award as an প্রতিষ্ঠান for its notable contribution to the country’s music scene. Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister emphasized that the Ekushey Padak symbolizes the spirit of the Language Movement and the enduring values of cultural resilience and creative excellence. He stated that recognizing individuals who have demonstrated dedication, innovation, and patriotism in their respective disciplines is both a moral and national obligation. The award, he noted, is not merely a decoration but a reflection of Bangladesh’s cultural identity and intellectual heritage. A brief cultural segment and biographical presentations highlighted the lifelong achievements of the recipients, drawing applause and emotional responses from the audience. The posthumous recognition of Ayub Bachchu was received by a family member, prompting a standing tribute from attendees. Representatives of Warfaze expressed gratitude and reflected on their decades-long musical journey and influence on generations of listeners. The ceremony maintained a dignified and celebratory atmosphere throughout, underscoring the significance of honouring excellence in arts, culture, education, journalism, and public life. Traditionally awarded annually, the Ekushey Padak commemorates the legacy of the Language Movement and serves as one of the highest civilian recognitions in Bangladesh. This year’s event upheld that legacy by celebrating individuals whose contributions have shaped the nation’s cultural and intellectual landscape. The Prime Minister concluded the ceremony by exchanging greetings with the awardees and reaffirming the government’s commitment to fostering creativity, preserving heritage, and inspiring future generations to pursue excellence in service of the nation.