Dhaka, March 2 -- Independence Award will be conferred this year based on merit, rising above partisan and group considerations, said Law Adviser Professor Asif Nazrul on Sunday.

The awards are being given to deserving people who have made significant contributions in their respective fields, Asif Nazrul, a member of the National Awards Advisory Committee, told reporters after attending the committee with Education Adviser Dr Wahiduddin Mahmud in the chair.

This year, less than 10 people will receive Swadhinata Padak (Independence Award), Bangladesh's highest civilian award, as recognition of their contributions to the country, he said.

Criticising the previous government's role in selecting controversial persons and organisations for ...