A few days ago, we experienced one of the most emotional and defining moments in Warfaze’s journey. We were honored with the Ekushey Padak 2026, Bangladesh’s second-highest civilian award. We received it in recognition of our contributions to local music over the past 4+ decades.
For us, this is far more than an award. It is a moment that belongs to all our listeners, fans, supporters, past and present members, families, friends, and relatives of band members, and everyone who has supported Bangladeshi band music over the last four decades.
When the news first reached us in early February, it came at an unforgettable moment, just before we were about to step onto the stage for a major live performance in Mirpur. The emotions were difficult to put into words. After walking this path for more than 40 years, creating music through different eras, lineups, struggles, and victories, this recognition felt deeply personal and profoundly historic.
Many news platforms described our selection as the first time a rock band had received this honor. This gives the moment even greater meaning for the larger band music community in Bangladesh.
On February 26, the award was formally presented at Osmani Memorial Auditorium on the occasion of Amar Ekushey and International Mother Language Day. Our band leader, Sheikh Monirul Alam Tipu, received the Ekushey Padak on behalf of Warfaze from the Honorable Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, Tarique Rahman.
Standing there, we felt an unmatched pride and gratitude. Because no band reaches a moment like this alone. Behind every song, every concert, and every album stands the love of our audience, the sacrifice of our families, and the contribution of every musician who has carried Warfaze forward since our formation in 1984.
This Ekushey Padak is a national recognition we will cherish forever. But more importantly, it reminds us that the journey continues. We remain committed to the music and the spirit of resistance and expression that shaped us these four decades. And to the people who made Warfaze what it is today.
As our legendary band leader Tipu said to The Daily Star: “Everyone was completely overwhelmed. At first, it was hard to believe. After making music for so many years, receiving official recognition from the state is a massive achievement for us. But this honor is not ours alone. It belongs to every band in the music industry. More importantly, it belongs to our listeners, fans, and families who have supported us throughout this journey.”