Bashundhara Group has got human rights award for its outstanding contributions to the society during the coronavirus pandemic.
On behalf of Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan, Kaler Kantho Editor-in-Chief Imdadul Haq Milan received the award from Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal at a function at Pan Pacific Dhaka on Wednesday.
The Bureau of Human Rights Bangladesh (BHRB) honoured 10 individuals and organisations with the award on the occasion of World Human Rights Day and Victory Day of Bangladesh.
The organisations which have received the award are Health and Family Planning Ministry, Bashundhara Group, Beximco Group, Prothom Alo and JMI Group.
The individuals who have got the award are cricketer Shakib Al Hasan, Narayanganj City Corporation councillor Maksudul Alam Khandaker Khorshed, Hotels International Managing Director Aminur Rahman, Manikganj Municipal Mayor Ramzan Ali and singer Tasrif Khan.
Former Chief Justice Md Tafazzul Islam inaugurated the award ceremony while Global University of Bangladesh Vice-chancellor Prof Anisuzzaman presented keynote papers on the present human rights situation in the country.
BHRB Chairman Justice Abu Bakar Siddique and Secretary General Md Shahjahan were also present on the occasion.
Addressing the function, Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan appreciated the BHRB for recognising the noted personalities and business entities for their contributions during the pandemic.
"When most of the human rights bodies make criticism, BHRB has set an example of promoting social justice. I feel proud of them as they gave me opportunity to get introduced with such enlightened personalities," he said.
Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSMMU) Vice- chancellor Dr Prof Sharfuddin Ahmed, BHRB Advisor Cardinal Patrick D'Rozario, Health Ministry additional secretary Aminur Rahman, JMI Group chairman Abdur Razzaq and Bashundhara Group media advisor Mohammad Abu Tayeb were also present.
In reaction, Imdadul Haq Milan said the social activities of Bashundhara Group cannot be described in words as the Group's chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan has set an example of social activities.
"Bashundhara Group focuses on its motto of supporting the socioeconomic development of the country from the front. If other business conglomerates of the country follow the activities of Bashundhara Group, the country will reap the ultimate benefits," he said.
BHRB secretary general Mohammad Shahjahan spoke highly of the contributions of Bashundhara Group and its chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan for maintaining social activities during the pandemic.
Bashundhara Group constructed the country’s largest corona treatment hospital, provided personal protective equipment for front liners and distributed food among insolvent people during the pandemic.
The Group is also engaged in ensuring public welfare, providing medical services like free eye treatment and education opportunities for the underprivileged and intellectually disabled children of the country.
The industrial conglomerate also provided space for setting up a temporary hospital in its International Convention City Bashundhara (ICCB) for ensuring treatment of corona patients.
Bd-pratidin English/Tanvir Raihan
