Dhaka, Sep 14 (V7N) - While the government has yet to issue an official gazette notification, Md Abdur Rahman Khan, Chairman of the National Board of Revenue (NBR), has posthumously honored Abu Sayed, a martyr from the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement of July 16, with the title of “Bir Sreshtho”.
 
Abu Sayed, a student from the 12th batch of the English Department at Begum Rokeya University, Rangpur, was the first casualty in the police crackdown during the student protests.
 
Khan made this announcement during a discussion on proposed direct taxation reforms under the Finance Act 2024, held at the NBR Multipurpose Hall.
 
He stated, “I begin by paying homage to all our Bir Sreshtho, martyrs, and freedom fighters of the Liberation War. At the same time, I extend my respects to all martyrs, particularly Bir Sreshtho Shaheed Abu Sayed, and the other brave souls of the July 2024 revolution and the student and public uprisings.”
 
The event was attended by Finance Adviser Dr. Salehuddin Ahmed as the chief guest, with M Lutful Azim, President of the Bangladesh Civil Service (Taxation) Association, presiding over the discussion. Sheikh Shamim Bulbul delivered the welcome address, and Tax Policy member AKM Badiul Alam along with Tax Admin and Human Resource Management member GM Abul Kalam Kaikobad also contributed to the discussions.
 
The title of Bir Sreshtho, the highest military honor in Bangladesh, was awarded to seven freedom fighters for their exceptional bravery and ultimate sacrifice. The other three military honors, in descending order, are Bir Uttom, Bir Bikrom, and Bir Protik. These titles were established immediately following the Liberation War.
 
The seven Bir Sreshtho, as listed in the gazette of December 15, 1973, are:
 

1. Bir Sreshtho Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman

2. Bir Sreshtho Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir

3. Bir Sreshtho Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf

4. Bir Sreshtho Sepoy Md Mostafa Kamal

5. Bir Sreshtho Sepoy Md Hamidur Rahman

6. Bir Sreshtho Engine Room Artificer Ruhul Amin

7. Bir Sreshtho Lance Naik Noor Mohammad Sheikh

END/SAI/AJ/