The name of General Muhammad Ataul Gani Osmani (M.A.G. Osmani) was dropped from the list of the Independence Award-2025 as he received the award in 1985.
 
General MAG Osmani, the Commander in Chief of the Bangladesh Mukti Bahini, was honoured with the Independence Award, the highest state honour, in 1985, said a statement issued by the Chief Adviser's Press Wing today.
 
The Interim Government initially discussed giving him the Independence Award (posthumously) this year. 
 
"But, since there is no precedence of any Bangladeshi ever receiving the highest award of the country more than once, the idea was dropped," the statement read. 
 
General Osmani was a Bangladeshi military officer and revolutionary who led the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971. 

Known for his strategic acumen and leadership, General Osmani coordinated the resistance against the Pakistani military, mobilizing both military and civilian support to achieve the goal of independence. He oversaw military operations across Bangladesh, and under his command, the Mukti Bahini became a formidable force. Osmani’s leadership, along with the contributions of many others, was crucial in securing the victory and the creation of the sovereign state of Bangladesh.

His legacy remains a cornerstone of the nation's struggle for independence.