PM confers Independence Award on 15 individuals, five institutions

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has conferred the “Independence Award 2026,” the country’s highest state honour, recognising outstanding contributions at the national level.

The award ceremony was held on Thursday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, beginning with a recitation from the Holy Quran. A total of 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions received the prestigious award this year.

Among the recipients were former prime minister Khaleda Zia and several eminent figures from various fields.

The late BNP Chairperson and former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has been posthumously honored with the Independence Award 2026, the nation's highest state honor.

Zaima Rahman, the granddaughter of the late BNP Chairperson and three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia received the award on behalf of her grandmother from his father and current Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The awardees include Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumous) for contributions to the Liberation War; Prof Zahurul Karim in science and technology; Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) in literature; noted television personality Hanif Sanket in culture; renowned singer Bashir Ahmed (posthumous); table tennis legend Zobera Rahman (Linu) in sports; Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous) in social service; Md Saidul Haque; teacher Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous), who died in a fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College; Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous) in public administration; and Mohammad Abdul Baki, Prof MA Rahim, and Prof Dr Sukomal Barua in research and training. Abdul Muqit Majumder (Babu) was honoured for his contributions to environmental conservation.

The five institutions recognised are Faujdarhat Cadet College for contributions to the Liberation War, Dhaka Medical College Hospital in medical science, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in rural development, SOS Children's Villages International in Bangladesh in social service, and Gonoshasthaya Kendra.

The Independence Award is the highest national and state award of Bangladesh, given in recognition of contributions to the country’s independence, Liberation War, and other significant fields. The government has been presenting the award annually since 1977 on the eve of Independence Day.

Each recipient is awarded Tk500,000, a 50-gramme gold medal of 18-carat standard, a replica of the medal, and a certificate of honour.