Architect Marina Tabassum has been announced as the recipient of the Ekushey Padak 2026 in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the field of architecture. She is an internationally acclaimed architect who received the Aga Khan Award in 2016 for the Baitur Rouf Mosque and was honored in 2025 for her innovative ‘Khudi Bari’ project. She is particularly known for her designs that are harmonious with the environment and for her use of local materials.

Marina Tabassum is a renowned architect from Bangladesh. She completed her degree in architecture from the Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET). Her architectural philosophy is: “Architecture should be close to the earth and serve human needs.” She is currently working as the principal architect at Marina Tabassum Architects (MTA).

Architect Marina Tabassum

The Ekushey Padak is the second-highest civilian award of Bangladesh. This year, the government has nominated world-renowned architect Marina Tabassum, along with eight other distinguished citizens and a Bangladeshi music band, to receive the award for their outstanding contributions in their respective fields.

The other awardees are: Farida Akhter Bobita in film, Professor Md. Abdus Sattar in fine arts, the late Ayub Bachchu and the band Warfaze in music, Arthi Ahmed in dance, Islam Uddin Palakar in theatre, Shafiq Rehman in journalism, Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumdar in education, and Tejosh Haldar Josh in sculpture.

Actress Farida Akhter Bobita

Professor Md. Abdus Sattar

late Singer Ayub Bachchu

Dancer Arthi Ahmed

Professor Dr. Mahbubul Alam Majumdar

Dramatist Islam Uddin Palakar

Journalist Shafiq Rehman

Sculptor Tejosh Haldar Josh

Band Warfaze

The names of the recipients of the Ekushey Padak 2026 were announced on February 5. The list was released in a press briefing by Shafiqul Alam, the Press Secretary to the Chief Adviser. He stated that the nominations were finalized in a meeting chaired by Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, the Adviser on Cultural Affairs.