July 30th, 2021
Monitoring Desk
LAHORE
South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR) has congratulated former co-chairperson Dr Hameeda Hossain for receiving this year’s Bangladesh Development Initiative’s (BDI) Lifetime Achievement Award in recognition of her services in improving the lives of the poor and marginalized in her homeland.
The BDI Lifetime Achievement Award, established in 2012, honours outstanding individuals or organizations who, through their scholarly and/or policy and civic engagements have contributed significantly to understanding the challenges, and the ideals that have led to the development of Bangladesh and have improved the quality of life for its citizens and celebrates the work of a scholar or institution of high reputation and integrity whose work has inspired others to develop and implement ideas for the betterment of the people of Bangladesh.
“Dr Hameeda Hossain richly deserves this award for her vast amounts of work on human rights nationally, regionally and internationally,” said SAHR Chairperson Dr Radhika Coomaraswamy and Co-Chairperson Dr Roshmi Goswami.
Dr Hossain is a renowned human rights activist and academic in Bangladesh and has published many books and articles widely on a variety of topics, including women’s experiences of the war, arts and crafts, the apparel industry, women workers, and human rights.
Dr Hossain is also a founding member of Ain o Salish Kendra, a legal aid and human rights organization, which was established in 1986. She was also the co-founder of the English-language magazine Forum, which played a critical role in raising awareness of the systemic inequities and discrimination suffered by the people of East Pakistan.
“Dr Hossain throughout her long and distinguished career worked to improve the lives of the poor and marginalized in Bangladeshi society,” the regional network of human rights defenders said.
Dr Hameeda Hossain has been one of the founding members of SAHR and also served as Co-Chairperson and Bureau Member for several years. “She is strong advocate for South Asian activism and we appreciate the tremendous contribution she has made towards the promotion of human rights, justice and peace in South Asia. Her vision and guidance were integral in shaping SAHR’s work in the region to promote and protect human rights in the region,” SAHR said.