Former Prime Minister late Begum Khaleda Zia -File Photo

DHAKA, March 05, 2026 (BSS) - Former Prime Minister late Begum Khaleda Zia has been selected for this year's Independence Award, the country's highest state honour. 

She has been selected posthumously for her overall contributions to nation-building, including independence, democracy and women's education, said a press release issued by the Cabinet Division today.

According to the release, the government has decided to confer the "Independence Award 2026" on 15 distinguished individuals, including former Prime Minister late Begum Khaleda Zia and five institutions in recognition of their "outstanding contributions at the national level" in their respective fields.

Introduced in 1977, the Independence Award or 'Swadhinata Puraskar' is the highest civilian award given by the government of Bangladesh. 

This award is being presented every year on March 26, Bangladesh's Independence Day, since 1977, in memory of the brave martyrs of the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation War.