The government has announced the recipients of the prestigious Independence Award 2026 (Swadhinata Padak), the highest civilian honour in Bangladesh.

This year, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has been selected for the award in recognition of her overall contributions to nation-building, including strengthening democracy and promoting women’s education.

The announcement was made in a press release issued on Thursday by the Cabinet Division. The release was signed by Md Humayun Kabir, Additional Secretary (Committee and Economic Affairs).

According to the Cabinet Division, the government has decided to honour 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions this year for their outstanding contributions in various fields, including the Liberation War, literature, science and technology, medicine, culture, sports, social service, public service, research and training, and environmental conservation.

For their contributions to the Liberation War, Faujdarhat Cadet College and Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumously) will receive the award.

In the field of science and technology, Professor Dr Zahurul Karim has been selected, while Dhaka Medical College Hospital will be honoured for its contributions to medicine.

Dr Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumously) has been selected in the literature category. In the cultural field, Hanif Sanket and Bashir Ahmed (posthumously) will be recognised.

Jobera Rahman (Linu) will receive the award for her contribution to sports, while the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has been selected for its role in rural development.

For contributions to social service and public welfare, the award will go to Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumously), SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh, Md Saidul Haque, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumously).

In public administration, Kazi Fazlur Rahman, PhD (posthumously), has been selected for the honour.

In the field of research and training, the award will be presented to Mohammad Abdul Baki, Professor Dr MA Rahim, and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua.

Abdul Mukit Mazumder (Mukit Mazumder Babu) has been selected in recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation.