The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, New Delhi

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday formally awarded the prestigious 'Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development, by Indian President Mrs. Pratibha Devisingh Patil, at an impressive ceremony at the Rashtrapati Bhaban here.

Sheikh Hasina received the award in presence of a select gathering of Indian Union Ministers, Diplomats and members of the Prime Minister's entourage and elites in the Capital amidst thunderous applause from the audience.

"Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust has awarded the 2009 Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her outstanding contributions to the promotion of democracy and pluralism, her determined drive to alleviate poverty and secure social and economic justice for her people through inclusive and sustainable development and her consistent commitment to peace," the citation said.

The impressive and somber ceremony, lasting for an hour, was addressed by Indian President Pratibha Devisingh Patil, Indian Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, Chairperson of UPA and Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust, Mrs Sonia Gandhi and the recipient Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

President Pratibha Patil showered praises to Bangladesh leader saying "throughout her life Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has personified the heroic struggle against autocracy and dictatorship, the struggle for establishing democracy and pluralism."

"Whether as a University student, or as a youth participating in the mass movement of 1969, as the daughter of the Father of Bangladesh, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, and later as the Prime Minister of her country, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has left an indelible imprint on her country's growth and development," the Indian President said.

Manmohan Singh described Sheikh Hasina as 'not only a great national leader but a great leader of the world.' He said she had a great contribution for the restoration of democracy in her country.