The government has announced the recipients of the prestigious Swadhinata Padak 2026 (Independence Award), the nation’s highest civilian honour.
This year, Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has been selected posthumously for the Independence Award in recognition of her overall contributions to nation-building, including her role in strengthening democracy and promoting women’s education.
A press release, signed by Additional Secretary (Committee and Economic Affairs) of the Cabinet Division Md Humayun Kabir, confirmed the matter on Thursday.
According to the release from the Cabinet Division, the government has decided to confer the Independence Award 2026 on 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions in recognition of their outstanding contributions to various fields, including independence, literature, science and technology, medicine, culture, sports, social service, public service, research, training, and environmental conservation.
For the 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 receive the award for its contributions to medicine.
Dr Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumously) has been chosen in the literature category. In the field of culture, Hanif Sanket and Bashir Ahmed (posthumously) will be honored.
Jobera Rahman (Linu) has been selected for her contribution to sports. In recognition of contributions to rural development, the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) has been selected.
In recognition of contributions to social service and public welfare, the award will be given to Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumously), SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh, Md Saidul Haque, Gonoshasthaya Kendra and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous).
In public administration, Kazi Fazlur Rahman, PhD (posthumously), has been selected for the honour.
In the field of research and training, the recipients are Mohammad Abdul Baki, Professor Dr MA Rahim and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua.
Abdul Mukit Mazumder (Mukit Mazumder Babu) has been selected for the award in recognition of his contributions to environmental conservation.