PM hands out Independence Awards

Nine individuals and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute have been awarded Independence Awards this year in recognition of their contributions to various sectors.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina gave out the awards at the Osmani auditorium on Tuesday.

Former Pakistan National Assembly member Mohammad Abul Khayer was given the award posthumously for his contributions to the Liberation War.

Abul Khayer recorded and preserved the Mar 7 speech of the father of the nation under difficult circumstances.

Another posthumous award was given to Munshi Kabir Uddin Ahmed, who was the superintendent of Comilla police at the time of the war.

He had refused to hand over the keys to the police armoury to the brigade commander of Comilla cantonment and later became a martyr at the hands of the Pakistani occupation army.

Artist Qayyum Chowdhury was awarded for his contribution to culture this year. He took part in the Liberation War and has been active in all democratic, progressive and pro-liberation movements.

Bangladesh Agriculture Research Institute was awarded for “Research and Training” in recognition of its contribution to agriculture, research and development.

Former Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shahid Kazi Azizul Islam was awarded posthumously. While serving in Barisal as ADC, he actively helped the Liberation War.

Lieutenant Colonel Md Abu Osman Chowdhury was also given the Independence Award.

During the Liberation War, he served as captain of the Liberation War Sector-8. He revolted against Pakistan with the troops under his command on March 26, 1971.

Dr Khasruzzaman Chowdhury, SBM Mizanur Rahman and Mohammad Haris Ali were also given the award posthumously.

While serving as the Kishoreganj Sub-Divisional Commissioner, Khasruzzaman actively participated in the Liberation War on March 26, 1971.

While in the government service, Mizanur Rahman joined the Liberation War and embraced martyrdom at the hands of Pakistani forces in Pirojpur on May 5, 1971.

Haris had played a role in mobilising youths for the Liberation War. He had also served as the District Sub-Sector Regimental Medical Officer under Sector 5 in 1971.

Language veteran and former MNA Md Kamaruzzaman was also given the Independence Award posthumously.

The Independence Award is the country’s highest civil award, which is given each year ahead of Independence Day, March 26.