India confers Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh expresses ‘deep gratitude’

After India conferred the Gandhi Peace Prize for 2020 on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh said in a statement that it was an honour for the Father of the Nation to be bestowed with the prestigious award.

Bangladesh on Monday expressed “deep gratitude” for the Gandhi Peace Award 2020 conferred on Sheikh Mujibur Rahman posthumously. Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 has been conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, one of the greatest leaders of our subcontinent. Year 2020 marked the birth centenary of Bangabandhu. He remains an icon of indomitable courage and tireless struggle for his millions of admirers. Bangabandhu's vision continues to light the India-Bangladesh friendship. I had the privilege of honouring his memory during my previous Bangladesh visit and will again pay homage to him, alongside PM Hasina, during the #MujibBorsho celebrations. https://t.co/5rFPCnlpVy pic.twitter.com/iS2wjPLIdo A statement issued by the foreign ministry in Dhaka said, “The Government of Bangladesh acknowledges with deep gratitude the decision of the Government of India to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, posthumously for the first time. It is an honour for Bangladesh and its people for the Father of the Nation to be bestowed with this prestigious award.” The announcement comes days ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s bilateral visit to Dhaka to partake in the ‘Mujib Barsho’ celebrations marking the birth centenary of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, also known as ‘Bangabandhu’.