Bangladeshi volunteer wins Commonwealth Point of Light award

A Bangladeshi volunteer has been recognised as the 61st Commonwealth Point of Light by Queen Elizabeth II in honour of her exceptional service providing humanitarian relief to the Rohingya refugees.

Sharmin Sultana, an experienced reproductive health-care provider and clinical trainer, is working at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox’s Bazar district giving support to Rohingya women and girls.

Sharmin provides vital antenatal, delivery and postnatal care and ensures women can prevent or safely end an unwanted pregnancy, according to a release.

She also provides training to paramedics, midwives, and doctors working in the camps, and ensures emergency procedures to support women and girls in the aftermath of rape.

The Queen, head of the Commonwealth, thanked the inspirational volunteers across the 53 Commonwealth nations for the difference they are making in their communities and beyond.

“I feel so good, proud and in fact I was speechless when I received the information about the award, Sharmin said.

“It is a recognition not just for me but for all the case workers of Mukti, the NGO I work for and mostly for the Rohingya women for their enormous resilience,” she added.

“I am delighted that Sharmin Sultana’s work and tremendous dedication providing support to Rohingya women refugees affected by gender-based violence has been recognised. Particularly because she provides support to women who are at the most difficult time of their lives,” said Alison Blake, high commissioner of the UK in Bangladesh.

As part of the legacy of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, the Queen recognises one volunteer from each Commonwealth country as Commonwealth Point of Light each week in the two years following the summit.

In April this year, the UK hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, where leaders from across the Commonwealth gathered in London and Windsor.

Each Commonwealth Point of Light will receive a personalised certificate signed by the Queen. The award for Sharmin will be presented to her by the British High Commissioner in Bangladesh Alison Blake.