The honour assumes special significance in the 50th year of Bangladesh's independence

Acknowledging with deep gratitude India’s decision to confer the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 to Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Bangladesh on Monday termed the award a befitting tribute to the ever-deepening Bangladesh-India relations.

A statement from Bangladesh’s Foreign Ministry called the award an honour for Bangladesh for the Father of the Nation to be bestowed with this prestigious award.

The honour assumes special significance in the 50th year of Bangladesh independence when the country is on the verge of becoming a developing country through political, economic and social transformation, the foundations of which were laid by Bangabandhu, it said.

The award is a befitting tribute to bilateral relations between the two countries in a year when both countries are jointly celebrating the Golden Jubilee of Bangladesh’s Independence, 50 years of diplomatic relations and the birth centenary of Bangabandhu, the statement added.

As Bangladesh commemorates the legacy of Bangabandhu on his 100th birth anniversary, the award comes as a recognition of the life long struggle of this enduring leader to ensure the freedom, rights, aspirations and emancipation of his people and towards building a world free from hunger, poverty and exploitation.

On the occasion, the people of Bangladesh pay homage to the two great leaders Bapuji and Bangabandhu, whose values and ideals remain even more relevant today for building a world of peace, free from oppression, injustice and deprivation.

Bangladesh’s statement on Monday came after India announced that the prestigious Gandhi Peace Price 2020 will be conferred on Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had praised Bangabandhu as a champion of human rights and freedom and said he was a hero to Indians as well.

The Indian Prime Minister also said that the legacy and inspiration of Bangabandhu has made the heritage of both countries more comprehensive and deep-rooted, and that the path shown by Bangabandhu had laid a strong foundation for the partnership, progress and prosperity of both countries over the last decade.