The BNP government has named late freedom fighter and public health activist Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury among the recipients of the 2026 Independence Award, despite the fact that he had already received the country’s highest civilian honour nearly five decades ago.

The Cabinet Division announced on Thursday that 15 individuals and five institutions will receive the Independence Award this year in recognition of their distinguished contributions to the nation. 

Former prime minister Khaleda Zia, Major Abdul Jalil, Dr Ashraf Siddiqui and Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury are among those selected for the award, while six of the individuals will receive it posthumously. 

According to the official statement, Dr Zafrullah has been nominated for his contributions to social service. 

However, records show that the physician and activist was already honoured with the Independence Award in 1977, shortly after the award was introduced.  

The Independence Award, also known as the Swadhinata Padak, is Bangladesh’s highest civilian recognition and is typically awarded once for outstanding contributions in fields such as the Liberation War, science, literature, culture and social service. 

Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, who died in April 2023, was widely known for his pioneering work in public health and rural healthcare in Bangladesh. 
Born in Raozan in Chattogram in 1941, he studied medicine at Dhaka Medical College before travelling to the United Kingdom for further studies. 

When the Liberation War began in 1971, he joined the independence struggle and helped organise medical support for freedom fighters. 

After independence, he founded Gonoshasthaya Kendra, a rural healthcare organisation aimed at providing affordable medical services to poor communities across the country. 

The organisation later became one of the most prominent models of community-based healthcare in Bangladesh. 

He was also a key figure behind the formulation of Bangladesh’s National Drug Policy in 1982, which promoted the use of generic medicines and sought to make essential drugs more accessible and affordable. 

For his work in public health and social development, Chowdhury received several international awards, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1985 and the Right Livelihood Award in 1992. 
The Independence Award has been conferred annually since 1977, usually ahead of Independence Day on Mar 26. 

Dr Zafrullah’s inclusion in this year’s list has raised questions about the nomination process and whether proper checks were conducted before finalising the award recipients.

The BNP government hasn’t issued any clarification on this nomination.

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