His granddaughter, Jaima Rahman, has been accepted on behalf of former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, the highest state honour ‘Independence Award-2026’, which was awarded in recognition of her contribution to national life.
The award was presented at an official ceremony held at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Thursday (April 16th).
Tarique Rahman’s daughter Zaima Rahman received the award, which is considered a significant symbolic moment in the political and social spheres. The issue of officially state recognition of Khaleda Zia’s long political life has sparked fresh discussion.
A total of fifteen eminent individuals and five institutions have been nominated for the Independence Award this year. At the individual level, contributions have been recognized in various fields including the Liberation War, Literature, Culture, Science, Social Service, Sports and Research. At the same time, organizations who made important contributions to education, health, rural development and social welfare at the institution level have been honoured.
This highest honour of the state is not only a recognition of personal achievements, but also an important means of highlighting various sectors contributing to the overall development and national progress of the country. The award has been presented every year on the occasion of Independence Day since 1977.
The awardees were awarded each with five lakh rupees, a gold medal weighing 50 grams of 18 carat value, a replica and a certificate of honor.
According to analysts, the award to a controversial but influential political figure like Khaleda Zia highlights an important aspect of the country’s political history and state assessment. At the same time, the presence of Zaima Rahman as a representation of the young generation indicates a symbolic continuity at the event—where the political legacy of the past is reflected in the hands of the new generation.