News Desk :
Today is the second death anniversary of Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, the larger-than-life spearhead of Brac, who died from a malignant brain tumour.
But the organisation he built after wrapping up his life in London as an accountant in 1972 is carrying on his purpose with intent.
Based on its impact, innovation and sustainability, Brac in 2021 was ranked first among the world’s top 500 non-governmental organisations by Geneva-based NGO Advisor-for the sixth year in a row.
What started as just a small relief and rehabilitation effort in a remote area of the Sylhet division 48 years ago is today providing services to more than 100 million people in 12 countries of Asia and Africa.
Brac now stands as a unique ecosystem interweaving microfinance, social enterprises, university, bank and multidimensional investments targeting the development of the poor and marginalised people, said a press statement.
For his outstanding contributions to empowering people living in poverty and inequality and assisting them in bringing lasting changes in their lives, Sir Fazle has been honoured with numerous national and international awards.
These include the Yidan Prize for Education Development in 2019, LEGO Prize in 2018, World Food Prize in 2015, Spanish Order of Civil Merit in 2014, Inaugural WISE Prize for Education in 2011, David Rockefeller Bridging Leadership Award in 2008, Inaugural Clinton Global Citizen Award in 2007, UNDP Mahbubul Haq Award for Outstanding Contribution to Human Development in 2004, Olof Palme Prize in 2001 and Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership in 1980.
In 2010, Sir Fazle was appointed Knight Commander of the Most Distinguished Order of St. Michael and St. George by the British Crown in recognition of his services to reducing poverty in Bangladesh and internationally. In addition, he was honoured with a Dutch Knighthood in 2019.
Sir Fazle was a member of the Group of Eminent Persons appointed by the UN Secretary-General in 2010 to advise on support for the least-developed countries.
