The Centre for Disability in Development (CDD) has been conferred the prestigious Aziz-UI Haq Rural Development Medal, 2024 by the Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific (CIRDAP).
The award-giving ceremony was held on June 6 in Bangkok, Thailand.
The award has been given considering CDD’s significant contributions to enhancing rural development practices, capacity building of educators, health workers, and development practitioners to include persons with disabilities and exemplifying integrated health services at government facilities of Bangladesh.
The event was participated by leading organizations and experts in rural development from across the Asia-Pacific region.
On behalf of CDD, AHM Noman Khan, executive director of CDD, received the medal and certificate from Atthakorn Sirilatthayakorn, deputy minister, Agricultural and Cooperatives of Thailand with Dr Cherdsak Virapat, director general of CIRDAP on stage.
The award was handed over in the presence of Md Tajul Islam, minister, Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives, Bangladesh, dignitaries from CIRDAP member countries awardees, and invited guests.
Nazmul Bari, director of CDD was present at the ceremony.
AHM Noman Khan said: "This award is a validation of our firm commitment to advancing rural development and promoting inclusivity within our communities. We dedicate this award to all persons with disabilities who have directly and indirectly contributed to disability-inclusive development in Bangladesh.”
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was the first to receive this international award.
In 2021, the Governing Council of CIRDAP – an intergovernmental organization of the fifteen member states – established this award to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations devoting and contributing to rural development of Asia and the Pacific region.
The medal was created in memory of the founder and first Director of CIRDAP, Aziz-Ul-Haq in recognition of his special contributions to rural development in this region and to CIRDAP.
In his welcome speech, Dr Cherdsak Virapat thanked for the ongoing contributions and steadfast support from the Government of Bangladesh, respective government council members, respective committee members, technical committee members, and relevant partners associated with CIRDAP.
