Talha receives Faraaz Hossain Courage Award posthumously
The Faraaz Hossain Courage Award 2017 has gone to Khandaker Abu Talha, a student of Daffodil International University who heroically sacrificed his life while protecting victims of a mugging incident in the capital city on 8 October this year.
The award was handed over to Talha’s family members at an event at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Dhaka on Saturday. The award of US$10,000, a certificate and a plaque were presented to Talha’s family by PepsiCo India CEO Shivakumar, founder chairman of BRAC Sir Fazle Hassan Abed, Faraaz’s mother Simeen Hossain and grandfather Latifur Rahman.
Accepting the award on behalf of his son, Talha’s father Abu Riaz Nuruddn Khandakar called upon the government to raise public awareness against crime and extremism and law enforcement alone was inadequate to tackle the menace.
He lamented how people failed to come forward to help others in times of distress and lauded Faraaz’s courage in this regard.
Speaking at the event, Faraaz’s grandfather Latifur Rahman, also the chairman of Transcom Group, said that the 1 July 2016 militant attack on Holey Artisan Bakery was a watershed for Bangladesh.
“It was a militant attack of extreme brutality, but it was also a display of courage and valour by Faraaz. Faraaz’s courage was a reflection of Bangladesh’s spirit.”
At the ceremony, Faraaz’s brother Zaraif Ayaat Hossain, announced the inauguration of the Faraaz Hossain Foundation, a platform to stand by the distressed and needy.
The annual Faraaz Hossain Courage Award was launched by PepsiCo Global in 2016 in recognition of acts of courage. A fund of $200,000 was set up for the purpose. This will support a $10,000 prize to be awarded annually for the next 20 years.
The purpose of the award is to recognise acts of exceptional courage by individuals setting examples of empathy for fellow human beings, to encourage the spirit of bravery among Bangladeshi youth, the spirit inspired by Faraaz.
The jury of the Faraaz Hossain Courage Award 2017 comprised Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Biswa Shahitya Kendro chairman Abdullah Abu Sayeed, renowned Tagore exponent Rezwana Choudhury Bannya, Standard Chartered Bank CEO Naser Ezaz Bijoy, Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Dhaka president Nihad Kabir, American International School, Dhaka teacher Sabahat Jahan, PepsiCo Bangladesh country manager Manish Muley and Latifur Rahman.
Talha's father Abu Riaz Nuruddin Khandaker, after receiving the award, requested the people to stand strong against terrorism and extremism.
He urged the government to develop emergency medical treatment of both public and private hospitals as he recalled that Talha did not receive emergency treatment after being stabbed by the muggers.