Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the Independence Award 2026 to 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions in recognition of their outstanding national contributions.

The award ceremony took place at 4:00 PM on Thursday at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, where the Prime Minister handed over medals to this year’s recipients.

The first posthumous award, given to former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, was accepted by her granddaughter, Zaima Rahman, who received the medal from the Prime Minister on behalf of her family.

Khaleda Zia was honored for her overall contributions to national development, including her role in promoting independence, democracy, and women’s education.

Seven recipients received the award posthumously this year. They included Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil for contributions to the Liberation War, Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui for literature, Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury and Maheerin Chowdhury for social service, Bashir Ahmed for culture, and Kazi Fazlur Rahman for public administration.

Family members accepted the awards on behalf of the deceased recipients.

Among the living awardees were Professor Zahurul Karim for science and technology, A.K.M. Hanif (Hanif Sanket) for culture, Jobera Rahman (Linu) for sports, Saidul Haque for social service, Mohammad Abdul Baki, Professor M.A. Rahim, Professor Sukomal Barua for research and training, and Abdul Mukit Majumdar for environmental protection.

Five institutions were also recognized: Faujdarhat Cadet College for Liberation War contributions, Dhaka Medical College Hospital for medicine, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) for rural development, SOS Children’s Village for public service, and Gonoshasthaya Kendra.

The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian honor and has been presented annually since 1977 to mark Independence Day on March 26.

Each recipient receives a 50-gram 18-carat gold medal, a replica medal, Tk 300,000 in cash, and a certificate of honor.

The Prime Minister arrived at the venue at 3:58 PM, where the national anthem was played. Religious recitations from the Quran and other scriptures marked the beginning of the ceremony.

Among those present were Prime Minister’s spouse Zubaida Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam, ministers, lawmakers, judges, military chiefs, and senior government officials.