Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday presented the “Independence Award 2026,” Bangladesh’s highest state honour, to 15 individuals and five institutions in recognition of their outstanding national contributions.

The ceremony was held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka and began with a recitation from the Holy Quran.

This year’s awards recognised achievements across diverse fields, including the Liberation War, science and technology, literature, culture, sports, social service, public administration, research and environmental conservation.

Among the recipients were former prime minister Khaleda Zia and several distinguished personalities. Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumous) was honoured for his role in the Liberation War, while Prof Zahurul Karim received recognition for contributions to science and technology. Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) was awarded in literature, and cultural figure Hanif Sanket was recognised for his contributions to the arts. Renowned singer Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) was also among the awardees.

In sports, table tennis legend Zobera Rahman (Linu) was honoured, while Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous) was recognised for social service. Other recipients included Md Saidul Haque; teacher Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous), who died in a fighter jet crash at Milestone School and College; Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous) for public administration; Mohammad Abdul Baki; Prof MA Rahim; and Prof Dr Sukomal Barua for research and training. Abdul Muqit Majumder (Babu) received the award for his work in environmental conservation.

Five institutions were also recognised: Faujdarhat Cadet College for contributions to the Liberation War, Dhaka Medical College Hospital in medical science, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) in rural development, SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh in social service and Gonoshasthaya Kendra.

Introduced in 1977, the Independence Award is presented annually ahead of Independence Day to honour significant contributions to the nation. Each recipient receives Tk500,000, a 50-gram 18-carat gold medal, a replica of the medal and a certificate of honour.