Speakers at an award distribution ceremony yesterday emphasised the importance of a non-violent policy of Gandhi in the present unstable world order.

TIB Chairman Prof Muzaffer Ahmad said Gandhi searched the path of truth and practised a peaceful demonstration for freedom and humanity. He was well aware that violence cannot bring peace.

He was speaking at the distribution ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi Peace Award 2009 organised by Mahatma Gandhi Research Council in the city.

A total of22 eminent persons were handed over the awards.

The council organised a discussion on 'Religious and social harmony and peace in Bangladesh' and the award giving ceremony to distribute them among the awardees.

TIB Chairman Prof Muzaffer Ahmad, barrister Rafiqul Haque, barrister Tania Amir, women leader Arma Datta, ATN Bangla Chairman Mahfuzur Rahman. Rangs Group Chairman A Rouf Chowdhury, lawmaker Ilias Uddinn Mollah, poet Sabbir Ahmed, Secretary Genera) of Institute of Textile Engineers and Technologists Bangladesh Shafikur Rahman, Destiny 2000 Ltd Chairman Mohammad Hossain. Executive Director of SOS Children's Village International GS Ishak. Managing Director of Jamuna Bank Ltd Motiur Rahman, founder of CRP hospital Valerie A Taylor. Maj (retd) Khandaker Nurul Absar, Dr Ajoy Kumar Chowdhury, Lion Badol Boron Barua, preacher of Guruduara Bangladesh Mongal Shing Shikh, Lion AKM Rezaul Haque, poet Sufia Hafiz Mukta, Nazma Akhter, Shawkat Jahan and Meherunnisa Khan Hena.

Civil Aviation and Tourism MinisterGM Kader handed over the awards to the winners.

The minister called on all to establish peace and check violence in the country. Under such circumstance, common people often do violence but Gandhi taught the people how to protect peace without resort-, ing to violence-

Speaking as the special guest, former chairman ofThith Commission Justice Habibur Rahman Khan said, “We all are searching the way of peace and Mahatma Gandhi showed us the way.”