Abrar Fahad to receive Independence Award posthumously
The interim government has decided to honour Abrar Fahad, a Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (Buet) student who was murdered by Chhatra League men in October 2019, posthumously with the Independence Award 2025.
Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuiyan, adviser to the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, made the announcement through a post on his Facebook page today (3 March).
In the post, he described Abrar as a "symbol of courage against injustice" and a "reflection of free thought."
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He further wrote that being awarded the posthumous Independence Award 2025 is a recognition of Abrar's sacrifice.
On 6 October 2019, BUET student Abrar Fahad was beaten to death on suspicion of being involved with Shibir. His brutal death sparked widespread reactions across the country, and he is remembered as a symbol of protest against violence in educational institutions.
In 2021, the courts sentenced 20 students to death for their involvement in Abrar's death.
Earlier on 6 August, Muntasir Al Jamie, convicted in the murder of Buet student Abrar Fahad, escaped from Kashimpur High Security Central Jail by breaking through the prison wall, the Department of Prisons revealed on 25 February.
Abrar Faiyaj, younger brother of Abrar Fahad, posted on his Facebook profile that his family was informed about the matter on 24 February when Jamie's lawyer did not turn up in court.
