United News of Bangladesh

Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday conferred the Independence Award 2025 upon seven individuals, recognising their glorious and outstanding contributions to the nation. The Chief Adviser handed over the award at Osmani Memorial Auditorium. Sven distinguished individuals are Prof Jamal Nazrul Islam (posthumously) in science and technology, Mir Abdus Shukur Al Mahmud (posthumously) in literature, Novera Ahmed (posthumously) in culture, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed (posthumously) in social service, Mohammad Mahbubul Haque Khan alias Azam Khan (posthumously) in Liberation War and culture, Badruddin Mohammad Umar in education and research, and Abrar Fahad (posthumously) for his role as a young protester. Osmani’s Independence Award proposal dropped over precedence issue Family members of the awardees received the awards. Advisers, the Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force, and senior government officials were present at the ceremony conducted by Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid. Speaking at the function, Dr Yunus said the nation is proud today, but it is very painful that these people were not given this recognition when they were alive. "We remember them today with gratitude," he said. Dr Yunus said the people of the country are delighted to  honour them with this award despite it being late. He said their works would inspire all. The government also reinstated the posthumous Independence Award earlier bestowed on Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman revoking the unfair decision of the previous government. Who is Jamal Nazrul Islam, the 2025 Independence Awardee?  

The interim government initially considered posthumously awarding General MAG Osmani, the commander-in-chief of the Bangladesh Mukti Bahini during the Liberation War, with the Independence Award this year but later dropped the idea due to a precedence issue.  According to a statement issued by the Chief Adviser’s press wing on Tuesday night, MAG Osmani had already been honoured with the Independence Award in 1985. As no Bangladeshi has ever received the country’s highest civilian award more than once, the proposal was ultimately withdrawn.  Govt reinstates Ziaur Rahman’s Independence Award This year’s Independence Award recipients are Prof Jamal Nazrul Islam (posthumous), Mir Abdus Shukur Al Mahmud (posthumous), Sculptor Novera Ahmed (posthumous), Abrar Fahad (posthumous), Badruddin Mohammad Umar, Sir Fazle Hasan Abed and Mohammad Mahbubul Haque Khan alias Azam Khan (posthumous). Bangladesh has been honouring individuals and institutions with the award every year ahead of Independence Day since 1977. Last year, 10 people received the Independence Award.