A rice research institute and nine personalities have been selected for this year’s Independence Day Award.
The government yesterday announced the names of the recipients, who include seven freedom fighters, an artist and an educator, said an order issued by the cabinet division.
The awardees who were recognized posthumously for their contributions to the country’s Liberation War and independence include former parliamentarian Mohammad Abul Khayer, martyred police officer Munsi Kabir Uddin Ahmed, former additional deputy commissioner of Barisal Kazi Azizul Islam, former sub-divisional officer of Kishoreganj Khasruzzaman Chowdhury, SBM Mizanur Rahman and Dr Haris Ali.
Lt Col (rtd) Abu Usman Chowdhury, the commander of Sector 8 during the 1971 war, also receives the award in the same category.
Principal M Kamruzzaman got the award posthumously for his contributions to education, while eminent artist Qayyum Chowdhury was awarded for his mark in the cultural arena.
The Bangladesh Rice Research Institute, meanwhile, was chosen for the award for contributions to agriculture research.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is expected to distribute the awards at a ceremony on March 25.
Each recipient will get Tk1 lakh, a gold medal and a certificate from the government.
The Independence Day Award, Bangladesh’s highest state award, was introduced by the government in 1977. The award recognises outstanding contributions to the Liberation War, the 1952 Language Movement and sectors such as education, literature, science and technology, medical sciences, journalism, public service, social science, cultural activities, sports, fine arts and rural development.
A cabinet division source said the names of 28 people and 16 organisations were nominated for this year’s awards.
The cabinet committee on national awards, headed by Finance Minister AMA Muhith, finalised the names of the 10 awardees and the prime minister approved the final list.
