Awards and decorations of the Bangladesh Liberation War were decorations which were bestowed by the major warring parties during the years of the Bangladesh Liberation War. Bangladesh, India and Pakistan all issued awards and decorations during the conflict. A listing of the medals bestowed after the Bangladesh War of Liberation are as follows: Bangladesh Gallantry awards A total of 677 participants of the Bangladesh War of Independence received gallantry awards for their service and bravery. Four categories of gallantry awards were created after the war in Bangladesh. These were: Bir Sreshtho The Bir Sreshtho () (Valiant of Courage), is the highest military award of Bangladesh. It was awarded to seven freedom fighters who showed utmost bravery and died in action for their nation. They are considered martyrs. Recipients All the recipients of this award were killed in action during the Bangladesh War of Independence in 1971. The award was published by the Bangladesh Gazette on 15 December 1973. It is the highest military award of Bangladesh, similar to the U.S. Medal of Honor or the UK's Victoria Cross. It has only been given in 1973 to seven people. Listed below are the people who have received the Bir Srestho medal. They are all considered 'Shaheed' (Martyrs). Captain Mohiuddin Jahangir Sepoy Hamidur Rahman Sepoy Mostafa Kamal Engineroom Artificer Ruhul Amin Flight Lieutenant Matiur Rahman Lance Naik Munshi Abdur Rouf Lance Naik Nur Mohammad Sheikh Bir Uttom ( ccValiant of Courage) Recipients Bir Bikrom ( Valiant hero) A total of 175 fighters have been awarded on 15 December 1973 for their heroic actions at the Liberation War of Bangladesh in 1971. The government of Bangladesh declared the name of the awardees in Bangladesh Gazette on 15 December 1973. Bir Protik ( Idol of Courage) This award was officially declared on 15 December 1973 through Bangladesh Gazette. A total of 426 people have received the award so far, all for their actions during the liberation war of Bangladesh in 1971. Liberation War medals Civilian awards Independence Day Award The Independence Day Award (), also termed Independence Award (), Swadhinata Padak, and Swadhinata Puroskar, is the highest state award given by the government of Bangladesh. Introduced in 1977, this award is bestowed upon Bangladeshi citizens or organisations in recognition of substantial contribution to one of many fields, including the War of Liberation, the language movement, education, literature, journalism, public service, science and technology, medical