Dhaka: The 2020 Gandhi Peace Prize awarded to Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, the Father of the Nation of Bangladesh by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday, was given by India to his daughters- Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her younger sister Rehana. Modi is on a two-day visit to Bangladesh to participate in the celebrations organized on the golden jubilee of India’s independence and the birth centenary of ‘Bangabandhu’ Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and to hold talks with his counterpart Hasina.
Addressing the 50th National Day program at the National Parade Square in Dhaka, Prime Minister Modi said that it is an honor for India to give the Gandhi Peace Prize to Mujibur Rahman. As a tribute to the father of Bangladesh, Modi was wearing a ‘Mujib jacket’ and said that Bangabandhu’s leadership and bravery ensured that no force could enslave Bangladesh.
Modi said, “This is one of the most memorable days of my life. I am thankful that Bangladesh joined me in this event. I am grateful that Bangladesh invited India to participate in this event. It is a matter of pride for us that we got the opportunity to honor Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with the Gandhi Peace Prize. ” He presented the award, a citation and a plaque and shawl to Sheikh Rehana in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Arindam Bagchi tweeted, “One of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent. Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was given the Gandhi Peace Prize of 2020. Prime Minister Narendra Modi presented the Gandhi Peace Prize to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and Sheikh Rehana. ”
Hasina, in her address, thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Government of India for presenting this prestigious award to her father. The Government of India started giving the annual Gandhi Peace Prize in 1995 on the occasion of 125th birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi. The Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 was announced earlier this week to Bangabandhu. This is the first time someone has been awarded this posthumously. The award consists of one crore rupees, citation, a plaque and a shawl.
