The first South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation Award 2004, set up in 2004 to honour those who play a role to strengthen the regional body, was Saturday given posthumously to former Bangladesh president Zia-ur Rahman with leaders of the seven member countries paying rich tributes to the late leader.
Rehman's eldest son Tariq Rahman received the award from Pakistan Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz, the outgoing chairman of SAARC.
Rahman, husband of Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had played a key role in formation of the SAARC in 1985 and conferment of the award coincides with the 20th anniversary of the organisation.
The award was given away at the inauguration of the 13th SAARC Summit, attended by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and leaders of six other countries of South Asia.
Showering praise on Rahman, Aziz said the late Bangladesh leader had an 'inspiring vision' and had initiated the idea of SAARC.
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