Swadhinata Padak: Amir Hamza’s name dropped from list

The name of Amir Hamza has been dropped from the list of "Swadhinata Padak" (Independence Award) recipients due to a controversy over his past, UNB reports.

The Cabinet Division on Friday published a revised list dropping his name.

Earlier, Amir Hamza was picked for the prestigious award in the literature category posthumously.

On March 15, the government chose ten renowned personalities, including Amir Hamza, and an institution for the "Swadhinata Padak 2022", the highest state award, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to their respective fields.

Ilias Ahmed Chowdhury, Colonel Khandaker 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.

Syed Mainul Hossain (posthumous) will get the award for his contribution to architecture.

Bangladesh Wheat and Maize Research Institute (BWMRI) have also been chosen for the award in the research and training category.

Since 1977, Bangladesh has been recognising individuals and institutions with the award every year ahead of the Independence Day.