Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today (February 26) presented the Ekushey Padak 2026 to nine distinguished individuals and the band Warfez in recognition of their outstanding contributions to national life, marking Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day.

The awards were handed over at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Among the recipients was late rock icon Ayub Bachchu, who received the honour posthumously. His wife, Ferdous Akhtar Chondona, accepted the country’s second-highest civilian award on his behalf.

Speaking to The Daily Star after the ceremony, Chondona said the Prime Minister personally told her that Ayub Bachchu’s songs were among his favourites. She described the occasion as “unparalleled” and said it was clear that Bachchu’s artistry continues to be admired at the highest levels.

She added that the recognition was not only an honour for Ayub Bachchu as an individual artist, but also a state acknowledgement of Bangla band music as a whole. However, she noted that she wished she could have raised the issue of artists’ copyright protection at the event, saying it would have benefited the wider music community.

Reflecting on her late husband’s legacy, she said that although he is no longer physically present with his guitar among fans, his music lives on across Bangladesh and among Bengali-speaking audiences worldwide.

Following the award ceremony, a statement was shared on the official Facebook page of “LRB”, the band founded by Ayub Bachchu. The statement described the state honour as more than a formal recognition, calling it a tribute to his lifelong dedication to music.

It said Bachchu’s courage, sincerity and innovation in Bangla rock enriched the country’s cultural landscape and helped carve out a distinct identity on the global stage. The band also expressed gratitude to the government, noting that when the state recognises an artist, it uplifts the entire music industry and inspires future generations.