Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has honoured nine individuals and 1 organisation with Swadhinata Padak 2021 (Independence Award) for their remarkable contributions to the country. The award-giving programme was held at the Prime Minister's official residence Gono Bhaban. It is the highest civillian honour in Bangladesh.

People's Republic of Bangladesh has been recognising individuals and institutions with the award every year since 1977. This year, renowned thespian 'monchosharothi' Ataur Rahman and popular musician Gazi Mazharul Anwar have received the award for their contribution to culture.

"I received the Ekushey Padak 20 years ago and today, I have been recognised for my work by the country yet once again.  The happiness and pride of such an acknowledgment are unparalleled," shares Ataur Rahman. "Receiving this on the birth centenary of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has doubled my gladness."

Gazi Mazharul Anwar also shares his emotions upon receiving this award. "I have always only intended to serve the people of this country and receiving such a salutation for my efforts has inspired me to keep working regardless of my old trembling hands," he says. "I am thankful to the authorities, and most importantly, my fans who have made my journey and the star I am today. I promise them that I will try and keep entertaining them for as long as my fate permits me."

AKM Bazlur Rahman, Shaheed Ahsanullah Master, Brig Gen (retd) Khurshid Uddin Ahmed, and Akhtaruzzaman Chowdhury Babu have also received this award posthumously for their contributions to independence and the Liberation War. The awards were handed over to their families.

Mohadev Saha was honoured for his contributions in literature and Dr M Amjad Hossain received the award for social work.

Dr Mrinmoy Guha Neogi received the highest state award for his contributions to science and technology and Bangladesh Agricultural Research Council received the award in the research and training category.