Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi handed over the Gandhi Peace Prize 2020 conferred on Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman to latter’s daughter Sheikh Rehana.

Speaking at the National Day programme of Bangladesh, Modi said conferring Gandhi Peace Prize on Mujibur Rahman is a matter of honour for India.
"This is one of the most memorable days of my life. I am grateful that Bangladesh has included me in this event. I am grateful that Bangladesh has invited India to take part in this function. It is a matter of our pride that we got the opportunity to honour Sheikh Mujibur Rahman with Gandhi Peace Prize," said Modi.

He handed over the award, a citation, a plaque and a shawl to Sheikh Rehana in the presence of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. The award carries an amount of ₹ 1 crore.

The Gandhi Peace Prize is an annual award instituted by the government of India since 1995, the 125th birth anniversary commemoration year of Mahatma Gandhi.

Modi hands over Gandhi Peace Prize for Bangabandhu to his daughter

Modi earlier said Bangabandhu was a champion of human rights and freedom, and a hero to Indians as well.

The award carries an amount of Rs 1 crore, a citation, plaque and an exquisite traditional handicraft/ handloom item.
Bangabandhu, who proclaimed independence, was imprisoned in Pakistan when Bangladesh was born. Pakistan was forced to set him free on January 8, 1972.

Father of the Nation Sheikh Mujibur Rahman returned to Dhaka on January 10, 1972. He later took over as Prime Minister of Bangladesh. He along with most of his family members got assassinated by some disgruntled military officials on August 15, 1975. Sheikh Hasina and her sister Sheikh Rehana survived as they were in Europe.