Sunday, 5th April 2026
Khabor Wala Desk
Published: 5th March 2026, 12:57 PM
The Government of Bangladesh has announced that Bashir Ahmed (posthumously), the legendary South Asian musician, and AKM Hanif, popularly known as Hanif Sanket, host and producer of the acclaimed television programme Ityadi, will be honoured with the Independence Award 2026 for their outstanding contributions to culture. This year, the awards recognise two prominent figures from the cultural arena among other national achievers.
On Thursday, 5 March, the Cabinet Division, through a statement signed by Additional Secretary (Committee & Economic) Humayun Kabir, confirmed the recipients. According to the release, the People’s Republic of Bangladesh has decided to confer the prestigious Independence Award 2026 to 15 distinguished individuals and five institutions for their exemplary contributions across various fields.
In the official list, Hanif Sanket is listed at seventh, followed by Bashir Ahmed at eighth, reflecting their significant impact on the cultural landscape.
Bashir Ahmed (Posthumous): Revered as a pioneering figure in South Asian music, Bashir Ahmed’s legacy spans decades of performance, composition, and promotion of Bengali music. His posthumous recognition honours a lifetime of dedication to the arts.
AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket): Renowned for his magazine-style television show Ityadi, Hanif Sanket has played a pivotal role in shaping contemporary Bangladeshi entertainment and popular culture, blending humour, social commentary, and educational content.
The 2026 Independence Award also recognises contributions in fields ranging from politics and social service to science, literature, sports, and public administration. Among the honourees are:
| Field | Recipient / Institution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Politics | Begum Khaleda Zia | Former Prime Minister; contributions to independence, democracy, and women’s education |
| Liberation War | Fouzdarhat Cadet College; Major Md. Abdul Jalil (Posthumous) | Recognition for wartime service |
| Science & Technology | Prof. Dr. Zahurul Karim | Significant contributions in science and technology |
| Medicine | Dhaka Medical College Hospital | Advancements in healthcare |
| Literature | Dr. Ashraf Siddiqui (Posthumous) | Prominent literary figure |
| Sports | Zobera Rahman (Linnun) | Achievements in national sports |
| Rural Development | Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) | Contributions to rural advancement |
| Social Service | Dr. Zafrullah Chowdhury (Posthumous); SOS Children’s Village International in Bangladesh; Md. Saidul Haque; Ganoshasthya Kendra; Maheerin Chowdhury (Posthumous) | Community and public welfare |
| Public Administration | Kazi Fazlur Rahman (Posthumous) | Significant administrative service |
| Research & Training | Md. Abdul Baki; Prof. Dr. M A Rahim; Prof. Dr. Sukomal Barua | Contributions to research and training |
| Environmental Protection | Abdul Mukit Mozumdar (Mukit Mozumdar Babu) | Notable environmental conservation work |
The Independence Award, the highest civilian honour in Bangladesh, celebrates exceptional contributions to the nation’s development, culture, and welfare. The awardees are expected to receive their medals in a formal ceremony in the near future, recognising both living recipients and posthumous honourees.
This year’s list reflects Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to celebrating achievement across a broad spectrum, from cultural innovation to social service, and from scientific research to public administration. The recognition of Bashir Ahmed and Hanif Sanket underscores the enduring impact of arts and culture in shaping national identity and inspiring generations.
Comments