Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday conferred the 'Independence Award (Swadhinata Puraskar) 2026,' the nation’s highest civil honor, upon 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions.

The ceremony, held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, recognized the recipients for their "outstanding contributions to respective fields at the national level."

The most prominent award was presented posthumously to former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia for her "comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women's education, and nation-building."

Her granddaughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, received the award from the Prime Minister on her behalf.

In the category of the Liberation War, the award was conferred posthumously on Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil, with his daughter, Barrister Sara Jalil, receiving the honor.

Professor Dr. Johurul Karim was recognized for his work in Science and Technology, while the late Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui was honored for his contributions to Literature.

The cultural category saw awards go to AKM Hanif (popularly known as Hanif Sanket) and the late Bashir Ahmed. Jobera Rahman Linu was honored for her achievements in Sports.

In Social or Public Service, the award was given to the late Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury, Md. Saidul Huq, and the late Maherin Chowdhury.

Further honors included: Public Administration -- Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous); Research and Training -- Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Professor Dr. MA Rahim, and Professor Dr. Sukomal Barua; Environmental Conservation -- Abdul Mukit Majumdar (Mukit Majumdar Babu).

Additionally, five institutions were recognized for their specialized roles: 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).

The ceremony began with the national anthem following the Prime Minister’s arrival at 3:58 pm.

Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani moderated the event, which was attended by a high-profile audience including the Prime Minister's wife Dr. Zubaida Rahman, Begum Khaleda Zia's sister Selima Islam, LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, and Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman.

Introduced in 1977, the Independence Award remains the hallmark of national recognition in Bangladesh.