2014: A Year Of Achieving Global Accolades For Bangladesh

The year 2014 was marked with a series of success stories of Bangladeshi nationals on the international arena. With Prime Minister Shiekh Hasina and her daughter Saima Wazed Putul on the forefront, the country's scholars including artist, scientist, entrepreneur and journalist leapt into the world wining international prizes for their signature of excellence in their respective fields. Some of such achievements are mentioned below:

UNESCO honors Bangladesh PM for contributions to girls’ and women education

United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) honored the Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina for her outstanding contributions to girls and women education by awarding her with a ‘Tree of Peace’. UNESCO Director General Irina Bokova handed over the award to the Bangladesh Premier,. UNESCO awarded seven persons and institutions worldwide for contribution to literacy and education this year. The Bangladesh PM dedicated her award to the women, especially young girls, all over the world.

Prime Minister wins 'South-South Cooperation Visionary Award- 2014'

Bangladesh PM Sheikh Hasina has received this year’s 'South-South Cooperation Visionary' award for her government’s efforts to eradicate poverty and raising standards of living, health services and social safety nets across Bangladesh. PM’s ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed received the award on her behalf from UN Secretary General's Special Envoy Yiping Zhou in Washington. Organization of American States and UN's South-South Cooperation has been jointly organizing this award as part of the Global South-South Development Expo held each year since 2008. South-South Cooperation is a broad framework for collaboration among countries of the South in various sectors.

Saima W. Hossain receives WHO award for ‘Excellence in Public Health’

The World Health Organization (WHO) has conferred on Saima Wazed Hossain, global mental health advocate and daughter of current Prime Minister of Bangladesh, the award of “Excellence in Public Health” in recognition of her contribution to public health in the national, regional and global level. The award was handed over by WHO’s South East Asian Regional Office (SEARO) Director Poonam Khetrapal Singh in Dhaka. Saima, who has been instrumental in spearheading the campaign on neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) and autism in the international and national level, is one of the two recipients of this newly instituted award.

Bangladesh Bank Governor awarded with 'Gusi Peace Prize' 

Bangladesh Bank Governor Atiur Rahman was awarded with the 'Gusi Peace Prize 2014' at a ceremony in Manila for his contribution towards poverty alleviation. The Gusi Peace Prize foundation has termed Rahman as the "poor man's economist" in the award citation.

Bangladeshi Artist Shahabuddin Ahmed gets highest French civilian honor

Internationally renowned Bangladeshi artist Shahabuddin Ahmed has been bestowed with France's highest civilian title, "Chevalier De L'ordre Des Arts Et Des Lettres" (Knight in the Order of Fine Arts and Humanities), for his contribution to art in France and around the world. Shahabuddin, who fought as a freedom fighter during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971, is known for his signature bold strokes, vibrant colours and figurative expressions.

Bangladeshi scientist made member of UN’s panel on ‘Technology Bank’

Bangladeshi scientist Firdausi Qadri has been named a member of the UN’s high-level panel to advise on the proposed ‘Technology Bank’, dedicated to helping the world’s least developed countries (LDCs) advance out of poverty. The panel was constituted during the 68th session of the UN General Assembly and is mandated to examine the scope and functions of the proposed Technology Bank, its organizational aspects and its institutional linkages with the UN.

India picks Bangladeshi scholar Prof Anisuzzaman for its third highest civilian award

Noted academician and essayist Dr Anisuzzaman has been named for last year's Padma Bhushan award, India’s third highest civilian honour. The Bangladesh scholar, who is among the 25 people who selected for this year’s Padma Bhushan, was chosen for his 'distinguished service of high order' in the field of Bangla literature and education,

Bangladeshi businessman receives Chilean award

Bangladeshi businessman Asif A Chowdhury has got Chile's prestigious Bernardo O'Higgins award for his outstanding contributions to developing relations with Chile. Asif A Chowdhury who is honourary consul of Chile, is the first Bangladeshi to get the award.

Selina Ahmed receives 'Oslo Business for Peace' award

Leading businesswoman Selima Ahmad has won the prestigious 'Oslo Business for Peace Award 2014' for her socially responsible and ethical business practices. Selima Ahmed, vice-chairperson of Nitol Niloy Group and founder of Bangladesh Women Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BWCCI), is the second Bangladeshi and first Asian businesswoman to win the award.

BINA scientist honoured with IAEA arward

Mirza Mofazzal Islam of the Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (Bina) received "Outstanding Achievement Awards" in the 58th General Conference of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in Vienna. Dr Islam got the award for his success in releasing nine improved mutant varieties of fiber jute, vegetable jute, mung bean and chickpea which have increased yield from 20 to 45 percent compared to other existing crop varieties. IAEA with Food and Agriculture Organization gave the award

Female journalist wins Civic Award

Bangladeshi female journalist Shah Ami Hossain won the Civic award presented by Tower Hamlets for improving the quality of life for local people by providing services beyond what they are paid to do.