Dhaka: The name of General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani was removed from the list of Independence Award-2025 recipients due to his earlier recognition in 1985. General Osmani, the Commander in Chief of the Bangladesh Mukti Bahini during the Liberation War in 1971, was previously honoured with the Independence Award, noted as the highest state honour, as per a statement released by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Interim Government had initially considered conferring the Independence Award posthumously to General Osmani this year. However, the proposal was discontinued because no Bangladeshi has ever been granted the highest national award more than once, as clarified in the statement.
General Osmani's significant contributions as a military officer and revolutionary leader during the Bangladesh Liberation War are well-recognized. His leadership in 1971 played a pivotal role in the country's struggle for independence.