Bangladesh is going to introduce Bangabandhu International Peace Prize. Cabinet Division is taking initiatives in this regard. An opinion has been sought from finance division as financial issues are involved with the peace prize.
A policy has also been framed in this regard. Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has approved the prize proposal to be placed at the cabinet meeting, according to sources in Cabinet Division and the Ministry of Finance.
They said that the government wants to introduce this award in harmony with Nobel Peace Prize. Presently, the Nobel Prize is worth $1.1 million equivalent to more than Tk 12 crore. However, the amount of cash for the upcoming award in Bangladesh has not yet been fixed.
Officials concerned think that the cash amount of Bangabandhu Peace Prize needs to be kept close to or higher than Nobel Peace Prize.
Finance Secretary Khairuzzaman Mozumder told The Business Post that this is a matter for the cabinet. “I don't know about this.”
Despite frequent attempts over phone, Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain could not be reached for his comments in this regard.
According to sources in Cabinet Division, the government wants to brighten the image of Bangladesh by introducing the prize internationally. So, the government wants to introduce the prize from the current fiscal year (FY24). If it is not possible due to lack of time, it will be introduced from the next fiscal year.
Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was awarded the Joliot-Curie Peace Medal by the World Peace Council on May 23, 1973. Therefore, Bangabandhu International Peace Prize will also be awarded on May 23.
But Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was born on March 17, 1920. This is why the names of awardees will be announced on March 17 every year. This award will be given in three categories--individuals, institutions and organisations. A gold medal will be awarded along with cash as the prize.
According to the policy, a selection committee and a nomination committee have been formed. However, the prime minister will give the final approval to those who will receive the award. The award winners will be able to deliver memorial speech on Bangabandhu at the award ceremony.
On May 23 in 1973, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman was awarded the Joliot-Curie Peace Medal. This medal is the most prestigious peace prize at international level after Nobel Peace Prize.
Bangabandhu never wanted conflicts in his political life. He never tolerated the humiliation of humanity. Even after accepting his loss, he always sacrificed himself for the happiness of others. So, he was awarded Joliot-Curie Peace Prize.
At the award ceremony, Bangabandhu said that world peace is one of the principles of his philosophy. “I stand with the downtrodden, oppressed, exploited and the people who are struggling for peace and freedom- wherever they are in the world.”
From 1950 to 1989, the World Peace Council awarded the Joliot-Curie Peace Prize to around 167 world leaders.
