DHAKA: Dr Anisuzzaman, Professor Emeritus at the University of Dhaka, has been conferred on Padma Bhushan award, the third highest civilian award in India.

The professor received the award with a gold medal from Indian President Pranab Mukherjee on Monday.

A total of 66 persons were awarded the honour for their outstanding contributions in various sectors.

After receiving the award Dr Anisuzzamn said that this would strengthen the ties between Bangladesh and India.

He also said, “It was an unexpected honor bestowed on me and I am really happy with the honour given by India. From now on, I will involve myself more in producing literature.”

Dr Anisuzzaman was the only Bangladeshi among the 127 selected for this year’s Padma Shri, Padma Vibushan and Padma Bhushan.

Indian Vice-President Dr Hamid Ansari, Prime Minister Dr Manmohan Singh, Home Minister Sushil Kumar Shinde among others was present in the gala.

BDST: 1155 HRS, APR 01, 2014