The government has awarded former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia and 14 individuals, along with five organisations, Bangladesh's highest civilian honour-the Independence Award-for this year.
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the awards to the recipients in recognition of their glorious and distinguished contributions at the national level.
The awards were handed over during a ceremony organised by the Cabinet Division at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Thursday afternoon.
Zaima Rahman accepted the posthumous award on behalf of her grandmother, receiving the medal from the Prime Minister.
The former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson was honoured for her overall contributions to
independence, democracy, female education, and nation-building.
Tarique's wife Zubaida Rahman and Khaleda's sister Selima Rahman also attendedn the event.
The ceremony was also attended by Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, cabinet members, members of parliament, justices, the chiefs of the three services, and senior government officials.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the proceedings at the auditorium.
The Cabinet Division had previously announced the names of the nominees for this year's Independence Award on Mar 5.
Including Begum Khaleda Zia, seven individuals received the honour posthumously this year.
The other recipients are: Maj Md Abdul Jalil for his role in the Liberation War, Dr Ashraf Siddiqui for literature, Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury and Maherin Chowdhury for social service, Bashir Ahmed for culture, and Kazi Fazlur Rahman for public administration.
Prof Zahurul Karim received the award for science and technology, AKM Hanif alias Hanif Sanket for culture, Zobera Rahman Linu for sports, Saidul Huq for social service, Mohammad Abdul Baki, Prof MA Rahim and Prof Sukomal Barua for research and training, and Abdul Mukit Majumder for environmental conservation.
Five institutions have also received the award this year.
Faujdarhat Cadet College has been honoured for its role in the Liberation War, Dhaka Medical College for contributions to medical science, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) for rural development, SOS Children's Villages and Gonoshasthaya Kendra for public service.
The Independence Award is the country's highest civilian honour.
It has been awarded annually by the government since 1977 to mark Independence Day on Mar 26.
Each recipient receives a 50-gram 18-carat gold medal, a replica of the medal, Tk 300,000 in cash, and a certificate of honour. �"bdnews24
