Liberation War

Govt to recognise foreign nationals' contribution

3 June 2010, 18:00 PM

Staff Correspondent

Bangladesh will pay tribute to foreign nationals and agencies and recognise their contribution to the liberation war in 1971 during the 40th anniversary of independence. The decision was taken at an inter-ministerial meeting titled 'Contribution of Foreigners to the War of Liberation' at the foreign ministry yesterday, with Foreign Minister Dipu Moni in the chair. The meeting formed two sub-committees to formulate guidelines and prepare a comprehensive list of the foreign nationals who played important roles in attaining independence. “We will give recognition to many foreign nationals this time. We have already received lists from various sources,” Dipu Moni told reporters after the meeting. Based on the list, the government will invite selected individuals for receiving awards. If anyone fails to come in person, the award would be sent to him or her through a Bangladeshi mission in 47 countries, she added. “Today, we discussed how to formulate a guideline and prepare the list,” she said and hoped that they could complete the task ahead of the 40th Independence Day. Dr Shamsul Bari, a member of the committee present at the meeting, told reporters that he was happy to be a part of the government's laudable initiative. “It should have been done much earlier, though,” he added.