The date for the conferment of the Independence Award–2026 has been changed. Although the ceremony was originally scheduled to be held on April 9 (Thursday), it has been postponed by one week and rescheduled for April 16 (Thursday).
A total of 15 distinguished individuals and 5 institutions have already been nominated for this highest state honor. Among them, Begum Khaleda Zia (posthumous) has been nominated for her contributions to independence and nation-building. Bangladeshi agricultural scientist, researcher, and Fellow and President of the Bangladesh Academy of Sciences (BAS), Professor Dr. Zahurul Karim, will receive the award in science and technology, while Dhaka Medical College Hospital will be honored as an institution in the field of medical science.
Additionally, Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), Md. Saidul Haque, Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous), SOS Children’s Villages International in Bangladesh, and Gonoshasthaya Kendra will receive the award for social service and public welfare. In other categories, Mohammad Abdul Baki, Professor Dr. M A Rahim, Professor Dr. Sukomal Barua (research), Jobera Rahman Linu (sports), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF – rural development), and Abdul Mukit Majumdar (environmental conservation) have been selected. In the fields of research, sports, and other categories under literature and culture, Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous – literature), Hanif Sanket (culture), and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous – culture) will receive the award this year.
According to a press release issued by the Cabinet Division on Tuesday, April 7, the award-giving ceremony will be held at 4:00 pm on April 16 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital. The new schedule has been set due to unavoidable circumstances, replacing the earlier date of April 9.
The Cabinet Division also stated that no new invitation cards will be issued for the rescheduled event. Invitations previously sent for the April 9 will remain valid and can be presented to attend the ceremony on April 16.
DBTech/SE/EK/OR
