Published : 26 Feb 2026, 06:31 PM
Updated : 21 Aug 2026, 03:24 PM
Bangladesh has awarded actress Farida Akhter Babita, architect Marina Tabassum, and Prof Abdus Sattar, a maestro of Oriental aesthetics and a pioneer of modern printmaking, alongside six other eminent individuals and one institution, in recognition of their distinguished contributions across different fields.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the awards on Thursday morning at Osmani Memorial Hall, handing the medallions to the awardees and their representatives.
The Ministry of Cultural Affairs announced the nominees for 2026 on Feb 5.
Each recipient received a 35g gold medal and Tk 400,000 cash award with a certificate of honour.
Awards spanned contributions in the Language Movement, Liberation War, arts, journalism, literature, education, and economics.
Film arts: Farida Akhter Babita
Fine arts: Prof Abdus Sattar
Architecture: Marina Tabassum
Dance: Arthy Ahmed
Pala songs: Islam Uddin Palakar
Sculpture: Tejosh Halder Josh
Music (posthumous): Ayub Bachchu, received by his wife Ferdous Akhtar Chondona
Band music: Warfaze, represented by Sheikh Monirul Alam
Journalism: Shafik Rehman
Education: Prof Mahbubul Alam Majumdar
The event was conducted by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani and attended by cabinet members, distinguished citizens.
