Recipients eligible for Independence Award again after 25 years: Govt
In 2026, a total of 20 recipients, 15 individuals and five organisations, are set to receive the Independence Award.
The government has amended the guidelines of the Independence Award, allowing an individual or institution to receive the country's highest civilian honour again after a gap of at least 25 years if they make outstanding contributions in another field.
The amendment was communicated in a letter sent by the Cabinet Division to the senior secretaries and secretaries of all ministries today (8 March).
According to the revised provision of Article 7.11 of the Independence Award guidelines, a person or institution that has already received the award may be considered again if they make special contributions in a different field after at least 25 years.
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The letter noted that earlier the rule barred any individual or organisation that had received the Independence Award from being considered again for the same award or any other national-level award.
Under the previous provision, Article 7.11 stated that no individual or organisation once honoured with the Independence Award would be eligible to receive the award again or any other national award.
The issue resurfaced this year after the name of Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury was included for the posthumous Independence Award in 2026. He had earlier received the award in 1977.
The matter drew attention as questions were raised over the possibility of receiving the honour for a second time.
In 2026, a total of 20 recipients, 15 individuals and five organisations, are set to receive the Independence Award.
