Valerie Taylor, Angela Gomes honoured

Bangladesh Pratidin and Social Islami Bank Ltd (SIBL) have honoured Valerie Ann Taylor, founder of Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralised (CRP) and Angela Gomes, Executive Director of Bachte Shekha, for their outstanding contributions to the country’s to health and socioeconomic sectors.

The two noble women were honoured on Tuesday on the eve of the seventh anniversary of Bangladesh Pratidin, an outlet of East West Media Group Limited, at the office of the daily in Bashundhara Residential Area in the city.

Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan handed over a crest and a cheque for Tk 2 lakh to each of them.

Besides, he announced donation of Tk 25 lakh from Bashundhara Group to facilitate the two noble women to work for the destitute and vulnerable people in the society.

Bangladesh Pratidin editor Naem Nizam, Kaler Kantho editor Imdadul Haque Milon, SIBL chairman Major (retd) Dr Rezaul Haque, SIBL managing director Ehsanul Aziz,

Bangladesh Pratidin joint edtor Abu Taher, deputy editor Mahmud Hassan, commercial adviser Khandker Kamrul Haque Shamim, chief news editor Mashuk Chowdhury, news editor Kamal Mahmud, Lutfor Rahman Himel and chief reporter Manjurul Islam were present.

NEWS24 head of current affairs Samia Rahman moderated the event. Taylor established the Centre for the Rehabilitation of the Paralysed (CRP) at Savar for the treatment of the physically-and mentally-paralysed and challenged people.

Leaving her home in the UK, she dedicated her life to the welfare of the people of Bangladesh. She has been living here for 47 years.

Angela Gomes dedicated her life to economic emancipation of the vulnerable women and children. Her organisation also provides pregnant women with healthcare facility.

Besides, the organisation works for gender equality.

Speaking on the occasion, the Bashundhara Group Chairman said Bangladesh Pratidin is the only newspaper which bravely publishes reports on women liberation and movement.

He said he was proud of meeting the two noble women. He assured them of giving more financial support to their organisations in future.

He called upon affluent persons to stand by the destitute and vulnerable people in the society.

The BG chief said a journalist of Bangladesh Pratidin was arrested in Savar for writing a report. “I asked Editor Naem Nizam to extend all-out supports to the reporter. I stood by journalists in the past. I am with them and will be in future.”

Naem Nizam said, “Bangladesh Pratidin is working for the people and the country. It is dedicated to promoting the spirit of liberation war and secularism.”

He said the paper is proud of awarding the two noble women. Bashundhara Group is also working for the country and its people, he added.

Imdadul Haque Milon said, “The Bangladesh Pratidin has done a great job by awarding the two noble women. There is another noble man here. He is Bashundhara Group Chairman Ahmed Akbar Sobhan. The three living legends have dedicated their lives for cause of people.”

Angela Gomes expressed her gratitude to those who have awarded her. She, however, said she does not work for award. “I had to face obstacles and harassment for my work. A number of 3,000 cases were filed against me.”

Valerie Ann Taylor said she has been working for people as she loves them.

SOURCE : Daily Sun