Bangladesh today
honoured 77 foreign friends and six international organisations from 13 countries for their contribution in its liberation war. The awards were presented at a special ceremonial function at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka by the Bangladesh President Zillur Rahman and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

High Commissioner of India to Bangladesh Mr.Pankaj Saran received the award conferred on the people of India and Union Minister of State for Defence M M Pallam Raju received the award conferred on the Mitrobahini. Akashwani was also honoured and the award was received by the Director General of All India Radio Mr.Leeladhar Mandloi.

Some of the prominent Indians who were honoured included Sachindra Lal Singh, Siddhartha Sankar Ray, P.A. Sangma, Manik Sircar, Sardar Swaran Singh, Dr. Karan Singh, Justice Abdul Masud, Rajmata Bibhu Kumari Devi, Field Marshal S.A.M. Manekshaw, Lt. General J.F.R Jacob, Lance Nayak Albert Ekka, Pandit Ravi Sankar, Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, Bhupen Hazarika, D.P. Dhar , P.N.Haskar and Arundhati Ghose.

Addressing the programme after conferring the award, Bangladesh President Zillur Rehman expressed his gratitude on behalf of the people of Bangladesh and said that their contribution to the country's liberation war will remain in the hearts of the people for ever.