Badruddin Umar declines Independence Award

Thanking the interim government for nominating him for this year's Independence Award, renowned writer, intellectual, political thinker and President of the Jatiya Mukti Council, Badruddin Umar, expressed his inability to accept the award.

The government has nominated eight distinguished individuals, including writer and political thinker Badruddin Umar, for this year’s Independence Award in recognition of their national contributions. However, Umar, has unequivocally refused the honour, maintaining his decades-long stance against accepting state accolades.

In a statement released to the media on Thursday by his party’s secretary, Faizul Hakim, Umar iterated his position: “Since 1973, I have been offered awards by various government and private organisations, but I have never accepted any. While I thank the current interim government for this nomination, I cannot accept the Independence Award either.” 

The 2025 Independence Award list, yet to be officially announced, includes seven posthumous recipients alongside Umar. Among them are:

MAG Osmani : Commander-in-Chief of Bangladesh’s Liberation War.

Professor Jamal Nazrul Islam : Renowned scientist and academic.

Sir Fazle Hasan Abed : Founder of BRAC, a global development organization.

Al Mahmud : Celebrated poet and literary icon.

Novera Ahmed : Architect of the Central Shaheed Minar.

Azam Khan : Legendary pop musician.

Abrar Fahad : BUET student killed in 2019 by banned Chhatra League activists.

Abrar Fahad’s inclusion has drawn particular attention, as his death became a symbol of resistance against political violence. His posthumous recognition aligns with the government’s recent emphasis on honouring figures tied to struggles for justice and sovereignty.

Established in 1977, the Independence Award is conferred annually on the eve of Bangladesh’s Independence Day (March 26). 

Recipients receive Tk 5 lakh, a gold medal, a medal replica, and a certificate of honour. The award celebrates contributions to national progress, though its criteria have often sparked debate, particularly regarding posthumous selections and political symbolism.