Abed conferred knighthood
Almost all Bangladeshis in the UK I have recently spoken to are happy and proud of the news of BRAC world's largest NGO) founder and chairperson Fazle Hasan Abed's Knighthood.
Abed was Knighted by Prince Charles on behalf of Queen Elizabeth II in a special ceremony at Buckingham Palace in London on 16 February for his service in 'tackling poverty' and 'empowering the poor in Bangladesh and globally' ( The Daily Star, 18 February).
Notably, while Pakistani government agencies and Pak government-sponsored NGO/groups in the last three decades tried their best to convert the traditional Afghan (tribal Pashtoon) society into a 7th century Arabian society for Pakistan's so-called 'strategic-depth' gain -- the BRAC team in Afghanistan is working for overall social enlightenment.
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed and BRAC deserve the highest honour on earth.
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No doubt that week is one of the happiest and most memorable in the life of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed. His receiving knighthood from Her Majesty the Queen of England was an occasion he is unlikely to forget and we wish him every happiness.
Although the award is very personal and given in recognition of his outstanding contributions to social improvement, poverty alleviation, and empowerment of the poor in Bangladesh and overseas, it vibrates far beyond that.
Not since 1947 has a British knighthood been bestowed upon a Bangladeshi and that in itself gives all Bangladesh every reason now to celebrate this milestone in history.
Sir Fazle Hasan Abed has brought great honour not only to himself and his family, but Bangladeshis throughout the world. I salute him for his great work in Bangladesh and for his inspiring initiatives that are now becoming blue prints for poverty alleviation throughout the world and enriching the lives of millions.
Sir Frank Peters, Gulshan, Dhaka
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