In a momentous achievement for the nation’s diplomatic standing, Bangladesh has been honoured with the International Peace Award. This prestigious recognition acknowledges the country’s pivotal role as a founding member of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (Developing-8) and its enduring commitment to fostering stability, economic growth, and regional harmony.
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Commemorating a Legacy of Peace
The award was established and presented in profound memory of the late Prof. Dr Necmettin Erbakan, the former Prime Minister of the Republic of Turkey. Dr Erbakan was a visionary statesman and the primary architect behind the formation of the D-8 in 1997. His philosophy centred on the belief that cooperation among developing Islamic nations could serve as a formidable pillar for global peace, moving the world away from confrontation and towards constructive dialogue.
The news of this accolade was conveyed through a formal letter addressed to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina by Dr Fatih Erbakan, the President of the Board of Trustees of the Prof. Dr Necmettin Erbakan Foundation. In the correspondence, the Foundation lauded Bangladesh’s consistent efforts in upholding the principles of the D-8, particularly its focus on sustainable development and South-South cooperation.
The Handover Ceremony at Ganabhaban
The formal presentation of the award took place at Ganabhaban, the official residence of the Prime Minister in Dhaka. Mosud Mannan, the Ambassador of Bangladesh to Turkey—who is also concurrently accredited to Georgia, Turkmenistan, and the D-8 Secretariat—personally handed over the commemorative crest and the official letter to Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
The ceremony was not merely a formal exchange but a symbolic reaffirmation of the deep-rooted fraternal ties between Bangladesh and Turkey, as well as the collective ambitions of the D-8 nations. The Prime Minister expressed her gratitude, noting that such recognition reinforces Bangladesh’s resolve to continue its trajectory of “Friendship to all, malice towards none.”
Overview of the D-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation
To understand the significance of this award, it is essential to look at the framework of the organisation for which Bangladesh was recognised.
| Feature | Details |
| Established | 15 June 1997 (Istanbul Declaration) |
| Founding Architect | Prof. Dr Necmettin Erbakan |
| Founding Members | Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey |
| Primary Objectives | Economic cooperation, improving member states’ position in the global economy, and peace |
| Bangladesh’s Role | Founding Member and active proponent of trade and technology sharing |
| Award Category | International Peace (Commemorative) |
Bangladesh’s Diplomatic Ascendancy
Since joining the D-8 as a founding member, Bangladesh has transitioned from being a developing economy to a regional powerhouse. Its contribution to the D-8 has been multifaceted, ranging from hosting various summits to leading initiatives in micro-credit, agriculture, and food security. This award highlights that Bangladesh’s progress is not merely economic but is intrinsically linked to its role as a peacemaker in a volatile global landscape.
By honouring Bangladesh with the International Peace Award, the Prof. Dr Necmettin Erbakan Foundation has acknowledged that the nation serves as a blueprint for how developing countries can balance rapid industrialisation with a peaceful foreign policy. As the world continues to face geopolitical shifts, this accolade serves as a reminder of the importance of multilateralism and the enduring legacy of those who sought to unite nations through commerce and compassion.