DHAKA, Feb 26, (V7N) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today distributed the prestigious Ekushey Padak among nine individuals and one music band for their outstanding contributions in various fields. The ceremony was held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.

The awardees included Farida Akhtar Babita (Film), Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts), Marina Tabassum (Architecture), Ayub Bachchu (Music, Posthumous), Arthy Ahmed (Dance), Islam Uddin Palakar (Palagan), Shafik Rehman (Journalism), Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education), Tejosh Haldar Josh (Sculpture), and the band Warfaze (Music). On behalf of Ayub Bachchu, his wife Ferdous Akhter Chandana received the award, while Warfaze’s team leader Sheikh Monirul Alam accepted for the band.

The premier arrived at the venue from the secretariat on foot at 10:53 am. The program began with the national anthem and recitation of religious scripts. Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the event, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the ceremony and read out the citations.

State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam attended as special guest, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech. Cabinet members, MPs, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and dignitaries were present at the function.

The Ekushey Padak is Bangladesh’s second highest civilian award, recognizing contributions to language, culture, education, and national life. Instituted in memory of the martyrs of the 1952 Language Movement, it remains a symbol of the nation’s cultural pride and resilience.

END/AJ/RH