Dhaka: Chief Advisor Professor Muhammad Yunus today emphasized the importance of awarding distinguished individuals during their lifetimes as he presented the Independence Award-2025 to seven luminaries for their significant contributions at the national level. “The joy that the country, families, and the individuals get if people are awarded during their lifetimes cannot be found if awards are conferred posthumously,” he stated at the award distribution ceremony held at Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, at the beginning of his speech, Professor Yunus pointed out that among the awardees, six individuals being honored are “no more with us.” He advocated for establishing rules to ensure that awards adorn living persons, following the recognition of all deserving deceased individuals posthumously.
Highlighting the contributions of the distinguished individuals, Professor Yunus remarked, “By awarding them, we are also being honored as a nation.” He further stated that the nation owes gratitude to those who have significantly contributed, and recognizing them during their lifetimes is essential to avoid being perceived as ungrateful.
The function was conducted by Cabinet Secretary Dr. Sheikh Abdur Rashid and was attended by advisers, the chief adviser’s special assistants, chiefs of the three services, the principal secretary to the chief adviser, and other senior government officials.