As many as 10 individuals and one institution have been chosen for this year's Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award), the highest civilian award in Bangladesh, for their outstanding contributions to the country.
Ilias Ahmed Chowdhury, Colonel Khondkar Nazmul Huda (posthumous), Abdul Jalil, Siraj Uddin Ahmed, Mohammad Sahiudiin Biswas (posthumous) and Sirazul Haque (posthumous) have been named for their contributions to Independence and the Liberation War.
Prof Dr Kanak Kanti Barua and Prof Dr Md Kamrul Islam will receive the highest state award for their contributions to medicine, the Cabinet Division said in a notification on Tuesday.
Md Amir Hamza will get the award for his contribution to literature and Syed Mainul Hossain (posthumous) for his contribution to architecture.
Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute has also been chosen for 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.
