DHAKA, Nov 12: Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz on Saturday gave the first Saarc award for 2004 to Bangladesh’s former president, Ziaur Rahman, for his key role in the creation of the alliance.

The Saarc award was set up last year to honour those who played an important role in strengthening the regional body.

Ziaur Rahman’s eldest son Tariq Rahman received the award from Mr Aziz.

Ziaur Rahman, husband of Bangladesh Prime Minister Khaleda Zia, had played a key role in the formation of Saarc in 1985 and conferment of the award coincides with the 20th anniversary of the organization.

Prime Minister Shaukat Aziz said the late Bangladesh leader had an ‘inspiring vision’ and initiated the idea of Saarc as he believed that regional cooperation was essential to peace and progress in South Asia. “We must transform this vision into a reality.”

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said Ziaur Rahman’s vision had helped move forward the idea of Saarc and ‘it is only appropriate that we honour his memory at this summit with the first Saarc award’.—APP