Desk Report:
In recognition of their glorious and meritorious contributions at the national level, 15 prominent individuals and 5 institutions of the country have been awarded the ‘Independence Award-2026’. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the award at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium today, Thursday (April 16, 2026) at 4 pm.
At the beginning of the ceremony, former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s posthumous award was received by her granddaughter Barrister Zaima Rahman. She received the ‘Grandfather’ honor from the Prime Minister.
The award was given to Khaleda Zia in recognition of her ‘overall contribution to the building of the country, including freedom, democracy and women’s education’. A total of seven people were given the posthumous honor this year.
Other individuals who received the posthumous award are – Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil for his contribution to the Liberation War, Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui, Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury and Maherin Chowdhury in social service, Bashir Ahmed in culture and Kazi Fazlur Rahman in public administration.
Family members accepted the awards on their behalf. Among the relatives present were Barrister Sara Jalil, Dr. Tasnim Arifa Siddiqui, Barish Hasan Chowdhury, Mansur Helal, Humaara Bashir and Tabasum Shahnaz.
In addition, among the living, Professor Dr. Zahurul Karim in science and technology, AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) in culture, Jobera Rahman (Linu) in sports, Saidul Haque in social service, Mohammad Abdul Baki in research and training, Professor Dr. MA Rahim, Professor Sukomal Barua and Abdul Mukit Majumder (Mukit Majumder Babu) in environmental conservation received the awards.
At the institutional level, the Swadhinata Puraskar has been awarded to Faujdarhat Cadet College (contribution to the Liberation War), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (medical education), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) (rural development), SOS Shishu Palli (public service) and Gonoshasthaya Kendra (public service).
As representatives of the institutions, Faujdarhat Cadet College Principal Lt. Col. Adnan Kabir, Dhaka Medical College Hospital Director Brigadier General Md. Asaduzzaman, PKSF Chairman Zakir Ahmed Khan, SOS Shishu Palli National Director Dr. Enamul Haque and Gonoshasthaya Kendra Senior Paramedic Beauty Rani Saha received the award.
It was informed at the ceremony that the Swadhinata Puraskar is the highest civilian honor of the country. This award has been given every year on March 26, on the occasion of Independence Day, since 1977. Each awardee and institution was presented with an 18-carat 50-gram gold medal, a replica of the medal, Tk 3 lakh and a certificate of appreciation.
The Prime Minister arrived at the ceremony at 3:58 pm and the national anthem was played. Later, the ceremony began with recitation from the Quran and readings from various religious scriptures.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife Zubaida Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam were present at the ceremony. In addition, cabinet members, members of parliament, judges, and high-ranking government officials including the chiefs of the three services were present.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani moderated the ceremony.
