The government has decided to confer the country's highest civilian honour, the Independence Award, well-known as Swadhinata Padak, on 15 distinguished individuals including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and five institutions this year in recognition of their outstanding and glorious contributions at the national level.
The decision was finalized at a Cabinet meeting held at Secretariat on Thursday. Prime Minister Tarique Rahman chaired the meeting. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani briefed journalists after the meeting.
Later, the Cabinet Division also issued a gazette notification announcing the names of the award winners.
According to the Cabinet Secretary, the Cabinet decided to confer the posthumous Independence Award on former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia in recognition of her overall contributions to nation-building, including the promotion of independence, democracy and women's education.
Khaleda Zia, former BNP Chairperson, served as the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for three tenures while she was opposition leader in the Parliament for two more tenures. She had led several democratic movement from the frontline including the anti-autocratic movement in 1990.
For their contributions to the Liberation War, the award will be given to Faujdarhat Cadet College and sector commander Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumously), also founding member of Jatiya Sanajtantrik Dal (JASOD).
In science and technology, the award will go to Dr. Zahurul Karim, while Dhaka Medical College Hospital will receive the award in the medical science category. In literature, the award will be conferred posthumously on Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui.
For contributions to culture, recipients include renowned TV presenter AKS Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumously). In sports, Jobera Rahman Linu will be honored.
The award in rural development will be given to Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation. Under the social service and public service category, recipients include Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumously), SOS Children's Villages International in Bangladesh, Saidul Haque, Gonoshasthaya Kendra, and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumously).
In public administration, the award will be conferred posthumously on Kazi Fazlur Rahman. For research and training, the recipients are Mohammad Abdul Baki, Dr. M. A. Rahim, and Dr. Sukomal Barua. In the environmental conservation category, the award will go to Abdul Mukit Majumder Babu.
The Independence Award, also known as Swadhinata Padak, is the highest state recognition awarded by the government of Bangladesh for outstanding contributions to the nation in various fields.
