Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has been selected as one of the 15 distinguished individuals for the ‘Independence Award 2026’.

The Cabinet Division today (Thursday) announced the decision, according to a press release signed by Md. Humayun Kabir, Additional Secretary (Committee and Economic).

The government has decided to confer the award on 15 individuals and five institutions in recognition of their glorious and outstanding contributions at the national level.

Former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia is being honoured posthumously for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women's education, and nation-building.

For the contributions to the Liberation War, the award is being posthumously given to Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil while Professor Dr Johurul Karim will be recognized 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 A.K.M. 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, Professor Dr. M A Rahim, and Professor 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).