We Must Advance in All Branches of Science and Technology: PM

On the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman conferred the Ekushey Padak 2026 upon nine distinguished individuals and one music band in recognition of their outstanding contributions in various fields of national life.

The awards were handed over at a ceremony held with due dignity at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Thursday morning, February 26. The Prime Minister presented the country’s second-highest civilian honor, the Ekushey Padak, to the recipients.

At the beginning of the event, extending heartfelt congratulations to the eminent personalities honored with the Ekushey Padak, Tarique Rahman said that although the state award began its journey in 1976 by recognizing contributions in three fields, it is now being conferred in at least 12 categories, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War, education, research, fine arts, science, and technology. He described this expansion as a positive achievement and expressed hope that the pursuit of knowledge, science, arts, and literature would be further sharpened and developed. He affirmed that the state and the government would fulfill their responsibilities to strengthen education, research, and cultural practice.

In his speech, the Prime Minister called for refraining from politicizing education, research, and the practice of arts and literature. He stated that politicization of these sectors is never indicative of a civilized society. He added that the government is working to establish a liberal democratic state system with strong moral standards so that the country can progress in all branches of knowledge, science, arts, and technology. He emphasized that guidance from the nation’s scholars and intellectuals is highly expected in this journey.

The head of government noted that the proclaimer of independence and Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman first introduced the Ekushey Padak in independent Bangladesh. He said the award is not merely a medal; rather, it serves to commemorate historical events from the 1952 Language Movement to the present day and introduces the general public to those distinguished individuals who have enriched the state and society through their contributions to education, literature, arts, research, and intellectual pursuits.

He further stated that although politicians are entrusted with the responsibility of running the state, intellectuals play the role of guiding lights. The greater the number of accomplished individuals in a society, the more illuminated it becomes in terms of prosperity and moral standards.

Organized by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, the ceremony also featured remarks highlighting the enduring spirit of Ekushey. The Prime Minister described Ekushey as an indestructible consciousness and the seed mantra of the struggle for rights. He noted that the nation is now marking 74 years since the Language Movement and stepping into its 75th year, emphasizing that the contributions of intellectuals have been indispensable in every historic achievement from 1952 to present-day Bangladesh.

In his presidential address, Cultural Affairs Adviser Nitai Roy Chowdhury said that the statehood of Bangladesh has been shaped by three historic streams of light—21, 71, and July (the mass uprising). He explained that 21 taught existence, 71 taught dignity, and July taught the reconstruction of the state in the light of justice and accountability, adding that culture safeguards the soul of the nation.

Speaking as special guest, State Minister for Cultural Affairs Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam said that the Ekushey Padak is not only an award but also a symbol of ideals and responsibility. Inspired by the July mass uprising, Bangladesh is advancing toward building a humane state under the leadership of Prime Minister Tareq Rahman.

In his welcome speech, Cultural Affairs Secretary Md. Mofidur Rahman stated that the journey began in 1976 when Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman awarded nine distinguished individuals.

The ceremony, conducted by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Nasimul Ghani, was attended by members of the cabinet, Members of Parliament, distinguished diplomats, and high-ranking military and civil officials.

The recipients of the Ekushey Padak 2026 are as follows: in acting, Farida Akhter Bobita; in fine arts, Professor Dr. Md. Abdus Sattar; in architecture, Marina Tabassum; in music (posthumous), Ayub Bachchu; in dance, Arthi Ahmed; and in pala gaan (traditional ballad performance), Islam Uddin Palakar.

In journalism, Shafik Rehman received the Ekushey Padak 2026. In education, Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumdar was honored, and in sculpture, Tejas Haldar Jash received the award. Additionally, the popular band Warfaze was awarded the Ekushey Padak for its contribution to music.

It is noteworthy that from 1976 to 2026, a total of 605 individuals and nine institutions have been honored with the Ekushey Padak.

DBTech/IH/MUM/OR