Sheikh Rehana receives Gandhi Peace Prize awarded to Bangabandhu
Modi was the head of the Gandhi Peace Prize judges panel
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's youngest daughter Sheikh Rehana received the Gandhi Peace Prize awarded to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman by the Indian government.
Sheikh Rehana, along with her elder sister, Prime Minister of Bangladesh Sheikh Hasina, received the award from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the occasion of Bangabandhu's birth centenary and the golden jubilee of independence at the National Parade Ground in the capital on Friday.
Speaking as the guest of honour on the occasion, Narendra Modi said, "It is a matter of pride for India that we have been able to award the Gandhi Peace Prize to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman."
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A statement from the Indian Ministry of Culture said that the Government of India has nominated Bangabandhu for his outstanding contribution to the social, economic and political transformation of Bangladesh in a similar way to the path of non-violence that Mahatma Gandhi has shown.
"Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that Bangabandhu is a champion of human rights and freedom. He is also a hero to the Indians," reads the statement.
"In the path shown by Bangabandhu, the roots of the relationship between the two countries have reached very deep today. Over the past few decades, the partnership between our two countries has reached a strong foundation of joint development and prosperity through its policy," adds the statement.
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina expressed her gratitude to the government and the people of India for the prize.
The Government of India has been awarding the Gandhi Peace Prize every year since 1995, the 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.
The award was introduced for Gandhi's non-violent policy and his contribution to social, economic and political change.
The Gandhi Award comprises Tk1 crore, a certificate and traditional handicraft items.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman has been awarded the Gandhi Peace Prize-2020. Modi was the head of the Gandhi Peace Prize judges panel.
