Khaleda Zia named for Independence Award 2026

Former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia had been named for this year's Independence Award, the country’s highest state honour, said a press release issued by the Cabinet Division today.

According to the release, the government has decided to confer the “Independence Award 2026” on her in recognition of her “glorious and outstanding contributions in nation-building, including independence, democracy and women’s education.

This recognition is being given posthumously to the former Prime Minister.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani gave this information on Thursday (March 5).

He said, ‘The names of the Swadhinata Award winners for the year 2026 were finalized in the cabinet. Khaleda Zia was nominated for the award posthumously for her overall contribution to nation-building, including independence, democracy and women’s education.’