Abrar Fahad has been posthumously awarded the Independence Award 2025. He was a student at Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET) and was brutally beaten to death in October 2019 by members of the now-banned organization, Chhatra League.

Interim government’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Sajib Bhuiyan announced this on Monday through a verified Facebook post, stating that Abrar Fahad has been honored with the posthumous Independence Award. He described Abrar as a symbol of courage against injustice and an icon of free thought, acknowledging his sacrifice as an inspiration for justice and righteousness.

The decision followed a meeting of the National Awards Advisory Committee at the Secretariat, chaired by Education and Planning Adviser Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud. He noted that the award recognizes individuals who have made lifelong contributions to Bangladesh in various fields such as culture, literature, science, and social service.

Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul, a member of the committee, hinted at the selection process, mentioning that this year’s Independence Award would be even more satisfying than the previously announced Ekushey Padak. The final list of awardees is expected to include fewer than ten individuals.