PM for economic emancipation

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina with recipients of the Independence Award 2011 at Osmani Smriti Auditorium in the city yesterday. Seven personalities, Dhaka University and Bangladesh Police were given the accolade this year. Photo: PID

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday urged the people to work together to reach the fruits of the nation's independence to every citizen through attaining economic emancipation.
“The nation that has gained independence and sovereignty through a war cannot suffer from poverty and illiteracy,” she said at the Independence Award 2011 distribution ceremony at Osmain Auditorium.
Two institutions - Dhaka University in education and Bangladesh Police in the category of independence and liberation war and seven personalities - Gaus Khan (posthumous), Sangharaj Jyotipal Mahathero (posthumous), Dr Neelima Ibrahim (posthumous), Nutan Chandra Singho (posthumous), AKM Shamsuzzoha (posthumous), Air Vice Marshal (rtd) Abdul Karim Khandaker, Beer Uttam in the category of independence and liberation war, and M Abul Hashem Khan in culture received the Independence Award, the highest state recognition, from the prime minister.
Each award recipient was given a gold medal, Tk 2 lakh and a certificate. Award recipient Planning Minister Air Vice-Marshal (rted) AK Khandaker also spoke at the function moderated by cabinet Secretary M Abdul Aziz.
Inspector General (IG) of Police Hasan Mahmud Khandaker, Dhaka University VC Prof Dr AAMS Arefin Siddique received Awards on behalf of their respective institutions while family members received the posthumous awards.