Swadhinata Padak 2023: 9 individuals, fire service chosen

Nine individuals and one institution have been chosen for this year's Swadhinata Padak, Bangladesh's highest civilian award, for their contributions to the country.

Freedom fighter Colonel (retired) Shamsul Alam, Lieutenant AG Mohammad Khurshid (posthumous), martyred Khwaja Nizamuddin Bhuiyan, and Mofazzal Hossain Chowdhury Maya have been named as winners of the award for their contributions to Bangladesh's independence and Liberation War.

Begum Nadira Jahan (Surma Zahid) and icddr,b acting senior director Dr Firdausi Qadri will receive the award for their contributions to research and training, the Cabinet Division said in a notification yesterday.

Mohammad Moinuddin Ahmed (Selim Al Deen) will be given the award posthumously for his contribution to literature.

Pabitra Mohan Dey and ASM Raqibul Hasan will receive the honour for their contribution to culture and sports respectively.

The Department of Fire Service and Civil Defence has been picked for the award in the "public service" category.

Bangladesh has been honouring individuals and institutions with the Swadhinata Padak since 1977 ahead of Independence Day on March 26 every year.