Dr HBM Iqbal, founder chairman of Premier Group, Premier Foundation and Premier Bank Ltd, has been awarded the prestigious Mother Teresa International Award.

The award was conferred on him in recognition of his contribution to country’s education and economic development.

Freedom fighter Iqbal received the award from Indian cabinet minister Sri Shadhon Pandey on Monday.

On behalf of Mother Teresa International Award Committee, Pandey handed over the award at a ceremony at Satyajit Ray Auditorium in Kolkata. The chairman of the committee Anthony Arun Biswas was also present on the occasion.

In reaction to the award, Dr HBM Iqbal, also ex-lawmaker of Awami League, said, “Award is always a feeling of joy. I received many awards for different social activities. But, today, I am much inspired and grateful for being awarded by Mother Teresa Committee which has given me the priceless honour. I am dedicating this award to the people of Bangladesh.”

The host of the programme Mother Teresa International Award Committee has been giving the award to those people at home and abroad who have contributed to different social sectors.

To develop the education sector of the country, Dr Iqbal has established Dr HBM Iqbal Education City at Bashgari in Bhairab.  The city encapsulates school, college, university, nursing institute, medical college, hospitals, engineering college, Sheikh Hasina Science and Technology University, IT park and sports academy.

Meanwhile, Premier Bank, established by Dr Iqbal, has been contributing to the national economy in various ways.