Prime Minister Tarique Rahman -File photo

DHAKA, April 15, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman will confer the Independence Award-2026 tomorrow on 15 distinguished persons, including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia, and five institutions in recognition of outstanding contribution to their respective fields at national level.

The premier will hand over the country's highest national civil award at a ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital city at 4pm, according to the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).

According to officials, former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia (posthumous) has been nominated for the award for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women's education, and nation-building.

Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumous) has been recognized for his contribution to the Liberation War while Professor Dr Johurul Karim was nominated for his work in Science and Technology.

Dr Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) has been nominated for the award for his contribution to the field of literature while AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) have been nominated under cultural category.

Jobera Rahman Linu will receive the award for her achievements in sports.

For Social or Public Service, recipients included Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), Md Saidul Huq and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous).

Kazi Fazlur Rahman will be a posthumous recipient in the area of Public Administration.

Dr Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Professor Dr MA Rahim and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua have been nominated for the award under the category of Research and Training.

Abdul Mukit Majumdar (Mukit Majumdar Babu) will be awarded for his efforts in Environmental Conservation.

The government also named five institutions for the award: 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).