DHAKA: Government has nominated 14 individuals and an organization for this year’s ‘Swadhinata Padak’ or Independence Award, the highest state award for their respective contribution to the nation.

The individuals include finance minister Abul Maal Abdul Muhith, textiles and jute minister Emaz Uddin Pramanik, Rafiqul Islam (posthumous), Abdus Salam, Professor Dr Maqsudul Alam (posthumous), Dr MR Khan and Rezwana Chowdhury Bonnya.

The other nominated persons are Moulavi Achmat Ali Khan (posthumous), Squadron Leader (retd) Badrul Alam (Bir Uttam), Shahid Shah Abdul Majid, M Abdul Ali (posthumous), AKM Abdur Rouf (posthumous), KM Shihab Uddin, Syed Hasan Imam,

Bangladesh Navy is also nominated for the award for its unparallel bravery during country’s war of independence and its continuous effort to protect country’s water boundary and its sovereignty.

The winners will get crest, medal and prize money.

Prime minister Sheikh Hasina will hand over the awards at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in city on March 24.

BDST: 2011 HRS, MAR 07, 2016
RR/SMS