C T Online Desk: April 16, 2026- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today conferred the Independence Award (Swadhinata Puraskar) -2026 on 15 distinguished persons, including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and five institutions in recognition of their outstanding contributions to respective fields at the national level.
The premier handed over the country’s highest national civil award at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital this afternoon.
Former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia (posthumous) was given the award for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women’s education, and nation-building.
On behalf of late Begum Khaleda Zia, her granddaughter Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award from the Prime Minister.
For the contributions to the Liberation War, the award was given to Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumous) while his daughter Barrister Sara Jalil received the award.
Professor Dr Johurul Karim got the award for his work in Science and Technology while his son Dr Md Halimur Rashid received the award from the Prime Minister.
Dr Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) was given the award for his contribution to the field of literature while his daughter Tasnim Arefa Siddique received the award on behalf of her father.
AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) got the award under cultural category. AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) himself received the award from the Prime Minister while on behalf of Bashir Ahmed, his daughter Humayra Bashir received the award.
Jobera Rahman Linu received the award from the Prime Minister for her achievements in sports.
Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), Md Saidul Huq and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous) were given the award under the Social or Public Service category.
Md Saidul Huq himself received the award from the Prime Minister while on behalf of Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, his son Barish Hasan Chowdhury and on behalf Maherin Chowdhury, her husband Mansur Helal received the award.
Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous) got the award for his contribution to the field of Public Administration while his daughter Tabassum Shahnaj received the award on behalf of him.
Dr Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Professor Dr MA Rahim and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua received the award under the category of Research and Training.
Abdul Mukit Majumdar (Mukit Majumdar Babu) was awarded for his efforts in Environmental Conservation.
Besides, the five Independence Award- 2026 winning institutions are: Faujdarhat Cadet College (Liberation War), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (Medicine), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) (Rural Development), SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh (Social Service), and Gonoshasthaya Kendra (Social Service).
On behalf of the five institutions, their representatives received the award from the Prime Minister.
Earlier, the premier arrived at the venue around 3:58 pm. The award distribution ceremony began with the playing of the national anthem and recitation from religious scripts.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani moderated the function.
Prime Minister’s wife Dr Zubaida Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam, LGRD and Cooperatives Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Opposition Leader in Parliament Dr Shafiqur Rahman, cabinet members, members of parliaments, the chief justice, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, political leaders, and award winners and their family members were present at the event.
Bangladesh introduced the Independence Award in 1977.
