Prime minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said that his government is prioritising restoring peace and security in public life by improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption.
‘The new government has started its journey amid a fragile economy battered by corruption and misgovernance, a weak governance structure and a deteriorating law and order situation,’ he said while addressing the Independence Award-2026 distribution ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
‘[Now] restoring peace and security in public life by improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is one of the top priorities of our government,’ said the prime minister.
‘We achieved an independent Bangladesh in exchange for countless lives. That Bangladesh has now crossed 55 years. Over these years, while we have many achievements, there are also shortcomings,’ he said.
Stressing unity to build a prosperous country, Tarique, also the ruling BNP chairman, said, ‘To build our expected self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh, there should be no revenge, vengeance, or unnecessary disputes.’
Quoting former president Ziaur Rahman’s remark ‘National unity is our strength, division is our weakness’, he said, ‘Our opinions and paths may differ, there may be debates and disagreements among us on various issues, but our differences must not turn into hostility’.
He urged all to remain alert, saying, ‘Anti-Bangladesh elements are still waiting for an opportunity’.
Earlier, the prime minister conferred the Independence Award-2026 on 15 distinguished persons, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and five institutions in recognition of their outstanding contributions to respective fields at the national level.
He handed over the country’s highest national civil award to the recipients.
Former three-time prime minister Khaleda Zia, posthumous, was given the award for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women’s education, and nation-building.
On behalf of late Khaleda Zia, her granddaughter Zaima Rahman received the award from the prime minister.
For the contributions to the Liberation War, the award was given to Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil, posthumous, while his daughter Sara Jalil received the award.
Professor Johurul Karim got the award for his work in science and technology while his son Md Halimur Rashid received the award.
Ashraf Siddiqui, posthumous, was given the award for his contribution to the field of literature while his daughter Tasnim Arefa Siddique received the award.
AKM Hanif, popularly known as Hanif Sanket, and Bashir Ahmed, posthumous, got the award under cultural category. Hanif himself received the award from the PM while on behalf of Bashir Ahmed, his daughter Humayra Bashir received the award.
Jobera Rahman Linu received the award from the PM for her achievements in sports.
Zafrullah Chowdhury, posthumous, Md Saidul Huq and Maherin Chowdhury, posthumous, were given the award under the social or public service category.
Md Saidul Huq himself received the award while on behalf of Zafrullah Chowdhury, his son Barish Hasan Chowdhury and on behalf Maherin Chowdhury, her husband Mansur Helal received the award.
Kazi Fazlur Rahman, posthumous, got the award for his contribution to the field of public administration while his daughter Tabassum Shahnaj received the award.
Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Professor MA Rahim and Professor Sukomal Barua received the award under the category of research and training.
Abdul Mukit Majumdar was awarded for his efforts in environmental conservation.
Five Independence Award-2026 winning institutions are Faujdarhat Cadet College—Liberation War, Dhaka Medical College Hospital—medicine, Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation—rural development, SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh—social service, and Gonoshasthaya Kendra—social service.
On behalf of the five institutions, their representatives received the award from the PM.
Cabinet secretary Nasimul Ghani moderated the function.
Prime minister’s wife Zubaida Rahman, Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam, LGRD and cooperatives minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, home minister Salahuddin Ahmed, opposition leader in parliament Shafiqur Rahman, cabinet members, members of parliaments, the chief justice, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, political leaders, and award winners and their family members were present.
Bangladesh introduced the Independence Award in 1977.
