The government of Bangladesh has named Dr. Alfred Sommer, professor and dean emeritus of the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, a “Foreign Friend” of Bangladesh for his contributions during the nation’s Liberation War. Dr. Sommer is one of 60 individuals and organizations recognized by the Bangladesh National Committee for their participation in or contribution to the process of independence. The accolades were presented by Bangladeshi President Abdul Hamid and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in two categories – “Bangladesh Liberation War Honour” and “Friends of Liberation War Honour” – during an official ceremony on October 1. Dr. Alain B. Labrique, assistant professor in the department of international health at the Bloomberg School and director of the Johns Hopkins University Global mHealth Initiative accepted the award on Dr. Sommer’s behalf.