Bir Sreshtho

Bir Sreshtho (BS)
Bir Sreshtho
Type	Military medal
Awarded for	Bravery dedication of life to save the motherland. To those who have performed acts of greatest heroism or most conspicuous courage in circumstances of extreme danger and have shown bravery of the highest order or devotion to the country, in the presence of the enemy on land, at sea or in the air to save the motherland.
Description	Bir Sreshtho (The Most Valiant Hero)
Presented by	Bangladesh
Eligibility	Military only (Conferrable on all ranks).
Status	Awarded by the Bangladesh Gazette 15 December 1973
Established	1975
First awarded	15 December 1973
Total	7
Total awarded posthumously	7
Total recipients	7 fighters of the Bangladesh Liberation War
Precedence
Next (higher)	None
Equivalent	Bir Sorbottam
Individual equivalent	7
Next (lower)	Bir Uttom

The Bir Sreshtho (Bengali: বীরশ্রেষ্ঠ; lit. 'The Most Valiant Hero'), is the highest military award of Bangladesh.^[1] It was awarded to seven freedom fighters who showed utmost bravery and died in action for their nation. They are considered martyrs.^[2]

The other three gallantry awards are named, in decreasing order of importance, Bir Uttom, Bir Bikrom and Bir Protik. All of these awards were introduced immediately after the Liberation War in 1971.^[3]

All the recipients of this award were killed in action during the Liberation War of 1971. The award was published by the Bangladesh Gazette on 15 December 1973. It is the highest military award of Bangladesh, similar to the American Medal of Honor or the British Victoria Cross. It has only been given in 1973 to seven people. Listed below are the people who have received the Bir Srestho. They are all considered 'Shaheed' (Martyrs).

Note: When referring to martyrs, the word 'shaheed' is often put before each individual's name as a mark of respect. The list has been prepared like the declaration by the Bangladesh Gazette.^[9]

• Bir Uttom
• Bir Bikrom
• Bir Protik
• Medals of the Bangladesh Armed Forces