Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday presented the “Independence Award-2026” to 15 eminent individuals and five organisations in recognition of their exceptional and distinguished service to the nation.
The ceremony for the country’s highest civilian honour took place at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. Out of the individual recipients, seven were honoured posthumously. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani moderated the event and shared brief biographies of those being recognised.
Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia was posthumously awarded for her wide-ranging contributions to independence, democracy, the education of women, and nation-building. The award was accepted on her behalf by her granddaughter and PM’s daughter Zaima Rahman.
For contributions to the Liberation War, Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil was honoured posthumously, while Faujdarhat Cadet College was recognised for its institutional role. In the field of science and technology, the award went to Prof Dr Zahurul Karim, and Dhaka Medical College Hospital was celebrated for its impact on medical science.
The award for literature was granted posthumously to Dr Ashraf Siddiqui. In the cultural sphere, Hanif Sanket (AKM Hanif) and the late Bashir Ahmed were the recipients. Jobera Rahman (Linu) was honoured for her achievements in sports.
For rural development, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) received recognition. Winners in the social service and public service category included Md Saidul Haque, SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, and posthumously, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury and Maherin Chowdhury.
Kazi Fazlur Rahman was posthumously recognised for his work in public administration. In research and training, the awards were presented to Mohammad Abdul Baki, Prof Dr MA Rahim, and Prof Dr Sukomal Barua.
Abdul Mukit Majumder (Mukit Majumder Babu) was awarded for his work in environmental conservation. The event was attended by the Prime Minister’s spouse, Dr Zubaida Rahman, and Selima Islam, the sister of Khaleda Zia.
Other prominent figures in attendance included Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman.
They were joined by members of the cabinet, MPs, judges, diplomats, and senior military and civil officials.
Established in 1977, the Independence Award is bestowed annually to mark Independence Day on March 26. The Cabinet Division had previously released the list of this year’s nominees on March 5.
