The government of Bangladesh has decided to confer the 2026 Independence Award on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and 19 other individuals and institutions for their contributions to nation-building. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani announced the decision on Thursday, March 5, following a cabinet meeting at the Secretariat. The award, the country’s highest civilian honor, recognizes outstanding contributions in various fields of national life.

According to the announcement, Khaleda Zia, a three-time former prime minister and BNP chairperson, has been selected posthumously for her contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education. In total, 15 individuals and 5 organizations will receive the award this year. The Independence Award, also known as the Independence Day Award, has been presented annually since 1977 to honor exceptional service to the nation.

The award commemorates the martyrs of Bangladesh’s 1971 Liberation War and is traditionally presented on March 26, the country’s Independence Day.