KATHMANDU, March 6: President Bidya Devi Bhandari has congratulated acid attack survivor Muskan Khatun for receiving the prestigious  US State Department's International Women of Courage Award-2021. 

Khatun was nominated for the US-based award  for her continuous campaign against acid attack. 

Taking to Twitter on Saturday, President Bhandari appreciated Khatun for converging the pain she suffered from acid attack into strength and also thanked the US government for recognising her efforts and courage.

US First Lady Dr Jill Biden and Secretary of  State Tony Blinken will be presenting the award to her at a special virtual ceremony to be held on March 8.

Acid attack survivor Khatun had endured months of harassment from her perpetrators before she was attacked with acid in September, 2019. Khatun was on her way to her school when three local youths threw acid on her at Ganeshman Chowk in Birgunj. Police said Khatun had rejected a ‘love proposal’ from one of the attackers before she became their target. 

Muskan was just 15 when she became the victim of an acid attack for rejecting a boy’s advances.  She suffered severe burns on her face, chest, and hands.  Her recovery was painful and continues to this day.

 
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