Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday conferred the country’s highest civilian honour, the Independence Award, on 15 distinguished individuals and 5 institutions in recognition of their outstanding contributions at the national level.
The premier handed over the country's highest national civil award at a ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital this afternoon.
Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia (posthumous) was given the award for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women's education, and nation-building.
Other honourees included Major Mohammad Abul Jalil (posthumous) for his role in the Liberation War, and Faujdarhat Cadet College as an institutional recipient. In science and technology, Professor Dr Johurul Karim was recognized, while Dhaka Medical College Hospital received the award in medical science.
In the cultural field, AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) were honoured. Dr Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) received the award for literature, while Jobera Rahman Linu was recognized in sports.
For social or public service, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), Md Saidul Huq and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous), SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh, and Gonoshasthaya Kendra were honoured.
Dr Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Professor Dr MA Rahim and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua received the award under the category of Research and Training.
Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous) was honoured in public administration, while the Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) received the award for rural development. Abdul Mukit Majumder was recognized for environmental conservation.
Each award recipient received a gold medal weighing 50 grams (18-carat), along with a certificate and a cash honourarium.