Chief Adviser hands over Independence Award

Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus conferred the Independence Award-2025 on seven distinguished individuals in recognition of their glorious and outstanding contributions to the national level.

The Chief Adviser handed over the prestigious award to the recipients and their representatives at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital on Tuesday (March 25).

This year, six of the seven individuals have been awarded posthumously, with family members receiving the awards on their behalf.

The awardees are: Professor 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.

Badruddin Umar, however, expressed his unwillingness to receive any award.

So, the government has taken a distinct decision to keep a replica of the award conferred on Umar at National Museum.

Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid conducted the function, while advisers, chief adviser’s special assistants, chiefs of the three services, principal secretary to the chief adviser and senior government officials were present, among others.

Earlier, the interim government announced the names of the seven distinguished individuals for the “Independence Award 2025”, the highest state honour.