Gallantry Awards  awards or khetab conferred upon the distinguished freedom fighters demonstrating extraordinary courage and making the greatest sacrifice in the war of liberation of Bangladesh. The awards were introduced and awarded immediately after the War of Liberation. These are Bir Srestha, Bir Uttam, Bir Bikram and Bir Pratik.

In rank, Bir Srestha is the highest gallantry award. Seven brave martyrs of the War were invested with this Khetab. They were Sepoy mohammad mostafa kamal, Captain mahiuddin jahangir, Sepoy mohammad hamidur rahman, ruhul amin, Flt. Lt. matiur rahman, munshi abdur rauf, nur mohammad sheikh. Bir Uttam khetab was awarded to 68, Bir Bikram to 175, and Bir Pratik to about 426 freedom fighters.

A token reward is attached to every khetab. For the highest award, Bir Srestha, there is a reward of a house and a variable amount of money. All other khetab awardees get a cash award, and they are invited to state functions. Socially, all recipients of gallantry awards are held in high esteem. [Syed Mohd. Saleh Uddin]