Nine individuals and one institution have been chosen for this year's Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award), Bangladesh's highest civilian award, for their contributions to the country. Freedom fighter Colonel Shamsul Alam (retired), Lieutenant AG Mohammad Khurshid (posthumous), martyred Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuiyan, and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya have been named for their contributions to Bangladesh's independence and the Liberation War. Bangla Academy winner Begum Nadira Jahan (Surma Zahid) and ICDDRB Acting Senior Director Dr Firdausi Qadri will receive the award for their contributions to research and training, the Cabinet Division said in a notification Thursday. Late Mohammad Moinuddin Ahmed (Selim Al Deen) will get the award for his contribution to literature. Pabitra Mohan Dey and ASM Raqibul Hasan will receive the honour for their contribution to culture and sports, respectively. Read more: Eleven chosen for Independence Award 2022 The Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence has been picked for the award in the public service category. Bangladesh has been honouring individuals and institutions with the award every year ahead of Independence Day on March 26 since 1977.