Fifteen distinguished personalities, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, will receive the "Swadhinata Padak 2026" (Independence Award), the highest civilian award, in recognition of their glorious and outstanding contributions at the national level.
The Cabinet Division published the list of the award recipients on Thursday, March 5.
The names of the recipients were finalised at the Cabinet Division meeting presided over by Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani told reporters after the meeting.
Khaleda Zia is being honoured posthumously for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women's education, and nation-building.
For contributions to the Liberation War, the award is being posthumously presented to Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil, and Professor Dr Johurul Karim will be recognised for his work in science and technology.
In the field of literature, the award will be given posthumously to Dr Ashraf Siddiqui, and recipients in the culture category include AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and, posthumously, Bashir Ahmed.
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.
Recipients for research and training include Dr Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Prof Dr MA Rahim, and Prof Dr Sukomal Barua.
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).
With inputs from BSS
RMM/MSU