Dhaka, March 9 -- The Bangladesh government has changed the rules regarding the Independence Awards after debate surrounding Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury receiving the honour for a second time.

The new rules provide for the same person or institution to receive the award in cases of special contributions after at least 25 years have passed.

An order from the Cabinet Division on Sunday amended Article 7.11 of the Independence Awards guidelines to add the provision.

The amended article states, "No person/institution who has received the Independence Award will be considered for the Independence Award or any other national-level award again. However, if a person or institution makes special contributions in any other field after receiving this ...