Dhaka, April 16 -- The government has awarded former prime minister Khaleda Zia and 14 individuals, along with five organisations, Bangladesh's highest civilian honour -- the Independence Award -- for this year.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the awards to the recipients in recognition of their glorious and distinguished contributions at the national level.

The awards were handed over during a ceremony organised by the Cabinet Division at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium on Thursday afternoon.

Zaima Rahman accepted the posthumous award on behalf of her grandmother, receiving the medal from the prime minister.

The former prime minister and BNP chairperson was honoured for her overall contributions to independence, democracy, fem...