These unsung heroes have been doing their bit in their areas but never received any recognition. Prothom Alo had published weekly special reports on their achievements last year.

They received crests, certificates and mobile phone sets with GrameenPhone connection at the reception ceremony in their honour at Bangladesh-China Friendship conference Centre in the city yesterday.

The recipients include Akikun Nahar, founder of Nabapran Mahila Samity, Habibur Rahman, a physically challenged person who has stood by fellow people with disability, Arzina Khatun who successfully fought poverty even after her husband deserted her, Altaf Hossain Altu Mia, a farmer who became a millionaire, Dr Ashir Ahmed Babu, Dr Manbendranath Sarkar, Harun-or-Rashid and Principal Ishak Ali.

Receiving the award, Akikun Nahar of Mymensingh said, "This is a Nobel prize to me."

Former adviser to the caretaker government Akbar Ali Khan, Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed of Biswa Sahitya Kendra, GrameenPhone Managing Director Eric Aas, Prothom Alo Joint Editor Abdul Qayum and Deputy editor Anisul Haq were present at the ceremony.

Akbar Ali Khan said there are many creative people in the country and that women are doing excellent jobs.

He called for strengthening political and economic institutions to fight poverty.

He also identified power crisis, extortion and lack of communication network as major obstacles to the development of the country.

Dr Abdun Noor Tusher conducted the programme while Subir Nandi rendered a song.