Khaleda given ‘Mother of Democracy’ award: BNP

Canadian Human Rights' International Organization (CHRIO) has conferred the "Mother of Democracy" award to BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia for her contributions to democracy.

The party's Secretary General Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir presented the crest and certificates given by the Canadian organisation at a press conference held in Khaleda's Gulshan office yesterday. 

"We're delighted to inform you that the Canadian Human Rights' International Organization awarded our leader Begum Khaleda Zia as the 'Mother of Democracy' for her significant contributions to democracy and its protection," Fakhrul said. 

The Canadian High Commission in Dhaka has also endorsed the award. 

The CHRIO crest says the award was given to Khaleda Zia "in recognition of outstanding contributions and devotion to the protection and advancement of disadvantaged people as well as democracy, human rights, peace and rule of law for Bangladesh and the world beyond". 

On February 1, BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia, 76, returned home after an 81-day stay in the capital's Evercare Hospital for treatment.

Former prime minister Khaleda has been suffering from multiple diseases, including liver cirrhosis. 

Members of a medical board for Khaleda said she needs to go abroad immediately for better treatment. 

Khaleda, convicted in two graft cases, was freed temporarily through an executive order by the government on March 25, 2020.