Former PM Khaleda Zia among 15 individuals named for Independence Award 2026Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia -File photoDHAKA, Mar 5, 2026 (BSS) – Former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia has been selected as one of the 15 distinguished individuals for the ‘Independence Award 2026’. 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. Recipients for Research and Training include Dr. Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Professor Dr. M A Rahim, and Professor Dr. Sukomal Barua. 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).

Source: Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha March 05, 2026 11:43 UTC