By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: Noted social workers of Shillong, Late PN Chaudhuri and Late Kripesh Ranjan Ghosh were conferred the ‘Friends of Liberation War Honour’ by the Prime Minister of Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina Wajad at a function held at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka on Sunday for their contribution to the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh.
Late Chaudhuri, a resident of Rilbong and late Ghosh, a resident of Laitumkhrah were honoured by the Bangladesh government in recognition of their contribution to the 1971 liberation war of Bangladesh.
While the award for (L) Chaudhuri was received by his son and former Mawprem legislator, Manas Chaudhuri, Shibani Ghosh, wife of late Kripesh Ranjan Ghosh received the award on his behalf.
Altogether, 42 Indians were conferred with the award.
The national committee to honour the foreign friends of Bangladesh has particularly taken note of the support extended by the ‘foreign friends’ to the Bangladesh cause and also the moral and material support offered to the people during the war.
Late Ghosh took active part in the war of liberation of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh against Pakistan on Tamabil-Dawki sector. He informed his Mukti Sangram Shahyak Samity at Dawki and his residence was used for providing support during the war.
Late Chaudhuri’s support came at a critical time when Bangladesh stood up in the face of barbaric atrocities and the worst ever genocide in world history. His support contributed to the eventual emergence of sovereign Bangladesh.
The decision to formally recognize the late social workers’ contributions has come 40 years since Bangladesh achieved its independence.
The official programme
to honour these awardees kick started on March 23 and will continue till March 26 wherein the awardees will be taken to the National Matyrs Memorial, Savar followed by an Independence Day reception at Banga Bhaban.