AHM Nouman, a Bangladeshi rights activist, received the Gusi Peace Prize International-2013 in Manila of Philippines on Wednesday night. Barry Gusi, chairman of Gusi Peace Prize International Foundation, formally handed over the prize to Nouman at a colourful ceremony held at the International Convention Centre in Manila, according to a message received here on Thursday afternoon. Nouman, the founder and secretary general of Development Organisation of the Rural Poor (DORP), was given the prize for his outstanding contribution to ‘poverty alleviation and humanitarianism’ in Bangladesh. He is the lone Bangladeshi who received the prestigious award, which is being awarded since 2002 to the world’s distinguished personalities. Gusi Peace Prize International Foundation is an international organisation of Philippines. This year, a total of 17 noted personalities in the world, including Nouman, were given the award in various categories like peace, human rights, poverty alleviation, politics, history, economics, academic, humanity, social service, statesmanship, pianist, architecture, research, diplomacy and chemistry. Nouman has been working for poverty alleviation being the ‘product of cyclone’ engaged in relief, rehabilitation and human rights work in greater Noakhali district with a slogan ‘Creation from Devastation’ following Bangladesh’s worst-ever cyclone on November 12 in 1970. He is founder of ever first ‘Bishawgram’ (clustered village) through cooperative society which glorified him of total 43 years of untiring experiences. The rights activist introduced the ‘Maternity Allowance’ for poor mother in 2005 and the Bangladesh government is now implementing it across the country. – UNB
