Shakil Syed has received an honor (the Engagement Prize) from the German government for his special contribution to implementing the U.N.’s Sustainable Development Goals through social work in Bangladesh. He holds dual Bangladeshi and German citizenship.
Germany’s Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) presented the honor on Saturday (Sept. 5). Shakil Syed was among a total of seven individuals honored this year.
The honor was presented at an “Open Day” event at BMZ’s office in Bonn, Germany. Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan presented the award.
Shakil Syed lives in Nuremberg, Germany. He has spent more than 20 years working on various social service projects in underserved regions of Bangladesh, including establishing and running primary schools. He has carried out this social work through an organization he founded called “Asha — Hope for Bangladesh.”
The BMZ’s citation said Shakil Syed, through his work, presents the German public with a picture of the lives of Bangladesh’s people. It said he is building a bridge with Germany to help people understand the development challenges facing Bangladesh.
Development Minister Reem Alabali-Radovan said Shakil Syed and the other six honorees have made important contributions to international solidarity and cooperation. Their work, she said, is especially important at a time when nationalism and separatism are on the rise, and an “us first” mindset is growing stronger.
Others honored included Gloria Nyakwe of Cologne, Julius Latzel of Dusseldorf, Batya Blankers, Karin Mlodok and Natalia Fibrig of Berlin, all in Germany. Jens Martens of Bonn received a posthumous honor.