Prime Minister Tarique Rahman is set to confer the "Ekushey Padak 2026" on nine eminent personalities and a legendary music band during a formal ceremony this Thursday.

The event will take place at 11 am at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

The government previously announced the recipients of this year’s award—the nation's second-highest civilian honor—in recognition of their transformative contributions to various fields.

This year’s list features a historic inclusion, as the iconic group Warfaze becomes the first rock band in the country's history to receive the prestigious medal.

The individual recipients include veteran film actress Farida Akhtar Babita, Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts), internationally acclaimed architect Marina Tabassum, and late rock legend Ayub Bachchu, who is being honored posthumously for his impact on music. Other awardees are Arthy Ahmed (Dance), Islam Uddin Palakar (Palagan/Folk Theatre), veteran journalist Shafik Rehman, Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education), and sculptor Tejosh Haldar Josh.

According to an official handout, the Prime Minister will personally hand over the gold medals, certificates, and prize money to the winners. The ceremony marks a significant cultural moment for the new administration, celebrating those who have shaped the national identity through art, education and journalism.