Khaleda Zia, 19 other people, organisations named for Independence Award

The government has nominated 15 distinguished people, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia and five institutions, for the 2026 Independence Award, the country's highest state honour, in recognition of their outstanding contributions at the national level.

The decision to nominate them was taken at a cabinet meeting with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair, said a media release issued by the Cabinet Division today (5 March).

Khaleda Zia has been named posthumously for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women's education, and nation-building. 

For the contributions to the Liberation War, the award will be conferred on Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumous), while Professor Zahurul Karim will be recognised for his work in science and technology.

Photo: Courtesy

In the field of literature, the award will be given to Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous), and recipients in the cultural category include AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous).

Jobera Rahman Linu will be honoured with the award for her contributions to sports.

For social service, the award will go to Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), while Maherin Chowdhury, Md Saidul Huq and Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous) have been named for the award in public administration.

Mohammad Abdul Baki, Professor MA Rahim, and Professor Sukomal Barua will jointly share the award for their role in research and training.  Abdul Mukit Majumdar will be awarded for his contributions to environmental conservation.

Alongside the individuals, five institutions – Faujdarhat Cadet College (liberation war), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (medicine), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (rural development), SOS Children's Village International in Bangladesh (social service), and Gonoshasthaya Kendra (social service) — have been nominated for the award this year.