Swadhinata Padak 2021: Nine people, BARC picked

The government has picked nine individuals and one institution for "Swadhinata Padak 2021" (Independence Award), the highest civilian award in Bangladesh, for their outstanding contributions to the country.

The Cabinet Division issued a notification in this connection yesterday.

Four recipients of the award -- AKM Bazlur Rahman, Shaheed Ahsanullah Master, Brig Gen (retd) Khurshid Uddin Ahmed, and Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu -- have been named posthumously for their contributions to Independence and the Liberation War.

Dr Mrinmoy Guha Neogi will receive the highest state award for his contributions to science and technology; Mohadeb Saha for literature; Ataur Rahman and Gazi Mazharul Anwar for culture; and Dr M Amjad Hossain for social work.

Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council will receive the award in the research and training category.

Bangladesh has been honouring individuals and institutions with the award every year ahead of Independence Day since 1977.