Khaleda Zia among 15 individuals selected for Independence Award 2026

Fifteen individuals, including former prime minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and five institutions have been selected for this year's Independence Award, the country’s highest state honour.

The Cabinet Division issued a press release in this regard on Thursday.

According to the release, the government has decided to confer the “Independence Award 2026” on 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions in recognition of their “glorious and outstanding contributions at the national level” in their respective fields.

Begum Khaleda Zia has been selected posthumously for her overall contribution to independence, democracy, women’s education and nation-building.

Faujdarhat Cadet College is being honoured for its role in the Liberation War, while Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil has been selected posthumously for his contribution to the war.

In the field of science and technology, Professor Dr Zahurul Karim has been named for the award. Dhaka Medical College Hospital will receive the honour for its contribution to medical science.

The award for literature will be conferred posthumously on Dr Ashraf Siddiqui.

In the cultural field, the government has selected Hanif Sanket (AKM Hanif) and Bashir Ahmed, the latter posthumously.

Jobera Rahman (Linu) has been named for the award in sports.

In recognition of contributions to rural development, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has been selected.

The awardees include Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh, Md Saidul Haque, Gonoshasthaya Kendra and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous).

Kazi Fazlur Rahman has been selected posthumously for his contribution to public administration.

In the field of research and training, the recipients are Mohammad Abdul Baki, Professor Dr MA Rahim and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua.

Abdul Mukit Majumder (Mukit Majumder Babu) will receive the award for environmental conservation.