Rab's successful operation that saw the capture of JMB (Jama'atul Mujahideen Bangladesh) chief Abdur Rahman and second-in-command Siddiqul Islam alias Bangla Bhai as well as their continuous anticrime operations have earned them the nomination for the award.

The name of Bangladesh Betar was proposed for its glorious contribution to the country's Liberation War in 1971.

On March 5, the committee submitted a list of 11 nominees for the Independence Award for the prime minister's approval that included three ministers. The list was later cancelled by the PMO after several ministers expressed reservations about nominating their colleagues.

The award committee in another meeting on March 12 chaired by Environment Minister Tariqul Islam made the revised list selecting the Rab and Bangladesh Betar.