PM hands over Independence Awards '09
Thursday, 26 March 2009
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina Wednesday called upon Bangladeshis to unite with one purpose in forging a modern and developed nation, reports bdnews24.com.
"No country can prosper amid fear and intimidation," said Sheikh Hasina, as she handed over the 2009 Independence Awards at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Four citizens received the awards this year for their outstanding contribution in various fields. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury received the award for Bangla literature, Abdul Matin for his work in the cultural arena, Prof AM Harunur Rashid in science and technology, and Ivy Rahman received a posthumous award for her social and public services.
The prime minister handed over a gold medal, Tk 0.1 million in prize money and a note of appreciation to each of the recipients.
Abdul Matin's sister Razia Matin Chowdhury received the award on his behalf. Ivy Rahman's daughter Tania Bakht received her mother's award.
The prime minister in her speech said, "I congratulate all of you on receiving the Independence Awards. The nation is honoured by honouring you."
"Against many odds, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had tried his best to take the nation forward during 1972-75. But we have yet to attain economic freedom and alleviate poverty," said Hasina.
Speaking on behalf of the award winners, Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury said: "The pain of losing freedom after winning it would be insurmountable."
"We've earned our freedom. But the curses of fundamentalism and militancy have not left us. Further battles lie ahead before attaining real freedom."
Abdul Aziz, cabinet secretary, conducted the event, attended by ministers, army, navy and air-force chiefs, political leaders, senior government and non-government officials, ambassadors, among others.
"No country can prosper amid fear and intimidation," said Sheikh Hasina, as she handed over the 2009 Independence Awards at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium.
Four citizens received the awards this year for their outstanding contribution in various fields. Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury received the award for Bangla literature, Abdul Matin for his work in the cultural arena, Prof AM Harunur Rashid in science and technology, and Ivy Rahman received a posthumous award for her social and public services.
The prime minister handed over a gold medal, Tk 0.1 million in prize money and a note of appreciation to each of the recipients.
Abdul Matin's sister Razia Matin Chowdhury received the award on his behalf. Ivy Rahman's daughter Tania Bakht received her mother's award.
The prime minister in her speech said, "I congratulate all of you on receiving the Independence Awards. The nation is honoured by honouring you."
"Against many odds, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman had tried his best to take the nation forward during 1972-75. But we have yet to attain economic freedom and alleviate poverty," said Hasina.
Speaking on behalf of the award winners, Abdul Gaffar Chowdhury said: "The pain of losing freedom after winning it would be insurmountable."
"We've earned our freedom. But the curses of fundamentalism and militancy have not left us. Further battles lie ahead before attaining real freedom."
Abdul Aziz, cabinet secretary, conducted the event, attended by ministers, army, navy and air-force chiefs, political leaders, senior government and non-government officials, ambassadors, among others.