DHAKA, May 8 (V7N) — LGRD Minister and BNP Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir and 14 other prominent individuals have been awarded the newly launched ‘Aposhhin Deshnetri Begum Khaleda Zia Smriti Shornapadak 2026’ (Uncompromising Leader Begum Khaleda Zia Memorial Gold Medal).

The award was introduced by the New York-based Bangladesh Probashi Nagoric Committee, Inc. to honor the legacy of the former Prime Minister and BNP Chairperson. According to a press release, the accolade will be presented annually to individuals who have made significant contributions to the nation across various sectors.

The list of recipients includes high-ranking government officials, journalists, athletes, and civil society leaders:

Government & Politics: Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir (LGRD Minister), Iqbal Hassan Mahmood Tuku (Energy Minister), Dr. AZM Zahid Hossain (Women and Children Affairs Minister), Ismail Jabiullah (Adviser), Aminul Haque (State Minister for Youth and Sports), and Dr. Mahdi Amin (Adviser).

Media & Literature: Kamal Uddin Shabuj (MD & Chief Editor, BSS), Abdul Hye Sikder (Poet), Dr. Mahbub Hasan (Litterateur), and Ashraf Kaiser (Journalist).

Sports & Civil Society: Tamim Iqbal (President, Bangladesh Cricket Board) and Sanjida Islam Tuli (Organiser, Mayer Daak).

Business & Personal Staff: Industrialist Dr. Abul Kashem Haider, businessman Abdul Haque, and Fatema Begum (Personal Assistant to Begum Khaleda Zia).

The Bangladesh Probashi Nagoric Committee stated that the award serves to recognize "illustrious persons" who have demonstrated dedication to the country's progress and democratic values. By naming the award after Begum Khaleda Zia, the organization aims to commemorate her political journey and her role in Bangladeshi history.

The committee noted that this initiative is part of a broader effort by the Bangladeshi diaspora to stay connected with national developments and honor those serving the public interest at home.