Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday conferred the ‘Independence Award-2026’ on 15 distinguished individuals, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, and five institutions in recognition of their glorious and outstanding contributions to the country.
The awards were handed over at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
Of the recipients, seven people were awarded posthumously.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the programme and presented brief profiles of all the award recipients.
Khaleda Zia was awarded posthumously for her overall contributions to independence, democracy, women’s education and nation-building.
On behalf of Khaleda Zia, her granddaughter and Prime Minister’s daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award.
Among others, Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil was honoured posthumously for his contribution to the Liberation War, while Faujdarhat Cadet College was recognised for its role in the war as an institution.
In science and technology category, Prof Dr Zahurul Karim received the award, while Dhaka Medical College Hospital was honoured for its contribution to medical science.
The award for literature went posthumously to Dr Ashraf Siddiqui.
In the cultural field, Hanif Sanket (AKM Hanif) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) were honoured.
Jobera Rahman (Linu) received the award in sports.
For contributions to rural development, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) was recognised.
In the category of social service and public service, the recipients included Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh, Md Saidul Haque, Gonoshasthaya Kendra and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous).
Kazi Fazlur Rahman was honoured posthumously for his contribution to public administration.
In research and training, the recipients were Mohammad Abdul Baki, Prof Dr MA Rahim and Prof Dr Sukomal Barua.
Abdul Mukit Majumder (Mukit Majumder Babu) received the award for his contribution to environmental conservation.
Prime Minister’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam were present at the programme organised by the Cabinet Division.
Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman, members of the cabinet, MPs, judges, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the programme.
The Cabinet Division earlier announced the names of the nominees for this year’s Independence Award on March 5.
The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian award, introduced in 1977 and awarded annually on the occasion of Independence Day that falls on March 26.