Dhaka, March 25 – Chief Adviser Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday presented the Independence Award 2025, the highest state honor, to seven distinguished individuals in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the nation.

The award ceremony took place at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, where family members of the late awardees received the honors on their behalf.

This year’s recipients include:

• Prof Jamal Nazrul Islam (posthumously) – Science and Technology
• Mir Abdus Shukur Al Mahmud (posthumously) – Literature
• Novera Ahmed (posthumously) – Culture
• Sir Fazle Hasan Abed (posthumously) – Social Service
• Mohammad Mahbubul Haque Khan alias Azam Khan (posthumously) – Liberation War and Culture
• Badruddin Mohammad Umar – Education and Research
• Abrar Fahad (posthumously) – Recognized for his role as a young protester

The ceremony was attended by government advisers, the Chiefs of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, and senior officials. Cabinet Secretary Dr Sheikh Abdur Rashid conducted the event.

Addressing the audience, Dr Yunus expressed both pride and sorrow, stating, “The nation is proud today, but it is painful that these individuals were not honored during their lifetime. We remember them with deep gratitude.”

He emphasized that their legacy would continue to inspire future generations.

The Independence Award (Swadhinata Padak) is the highest civilian award in Bangladesh, recognizing exceptional contributions in various fields.