Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina conferred the Independence Award-2024 upon ten distinguished individuals for their exceptional contributions to Bangladesh. The awards ceremony took place at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital city.

Among the recipients were Freedom Fighters Kazi Abdus Sattar Bir Pratik, posthumously honored Freedom Fighter flight sergeant Md Fazlul Haque, and posthumously honored Freedom Fighter Shaheed Abu Nayem Md Nazib Uddin Khan (Khurram), recognized for their pivotal roles in Bangladesh's independence and the Liberation War.

Dr. Mobarak Ahmad Khan was acknowledged for his advancements in science and technology, while Dr. Harishankar Das received recognition for his contributions to medicine. Additionally, Mohammad Rafikuzzaman and Firoza Khatun were honored for their achievements in culture and sports, respectively.

In the category of social service, Aranya Chiran, Freedom Fighter Prof Dr. Mollah Obaidul Baki, and SM Abraham Lincoln were bestowed with the prestigious award.

During the ceremony, Rafikuzzaman expressed gratitude on behalf of the awardees. Cabinet Secretary Md Mahbub Hossain moderated the event and presented citations detailing the recipients' life sketches.

Since 1977, Bangladesh has been conferring the Independence Award annually, preceding Independence Day celebrations on March 26th.