Prime Minister Tarique Rahman awarded the Ekushey Padak 2026 to nine distinguished individuals and the band Warfez today in honor of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. The ceremony took place at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, where late rock icon Ayub Bachchu was posthumously recognized. His wife, Ferdous Akhtar Chondona, accepted the prestigious civilian award on his behalf.
Chondona revealed that the Prime Minister personally shared his admiration for Ayub Bachchu’s music during a conversation after the ceremony. She described the event as extraordinary and emphasized that Bachchu’s artistic legacy continues to be revered at the highest levels.
She highlighted that the recognition not only honored Ayub Bachchu as an individual artist but also acknowledged the significance of Bangla band music as a whole. Chondona expressed a desire to address the importance of artists’ copyright protection at the event, believing it would have a positive impact on the broader music community.
Reflecting on her late husband’s impact, she emphasized that although he is no longer physically present, his music resonates throughout Bangladesh and among Bengali-speaking audiences globally. Following the award ceremony, a statement was posted on the official Facebook page of “LRB,” the band founded by Ayub Bachchu, praising the state’s acknowledgment as a tribute to his lifelong commitment to music.
The statement credited Bachchu for his bravery, honesty, and creativity in shaping Bangla rock music, enriching the country’s cultural heritage and establishing a unique presence on the global platform. The band expressed appreciation to the government, highlighting that recognition of an artist by the state elevates the entire music industry and serves as inspiration for future generations.