Anti-state groups waiting for opportunity, citizens must stay alert: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, ‘Anti-national groups are still waiting for opportunities in Bangladesh. It is important for all of us to be vigilant in the interest of the country.’

Citeing the words of martyred President Ziaur Rahman, ‘National unity is our strength, division is our weakness,’ he said, ‘Our views and paths may differ, we may have disputes and disagreements on various issues, but the disputes and disagreements between us should not turn into hostility.’

The Prime Minister handed over the awards to the nominees for this year’s ‘Independence Award-2026’ at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium at 4pm on Thursday (April 16). He made these remarks in his speech later.

At the beginning of the program, the Prime Minister respectfully remembered the brave martyrs of the war of birth of Bangladesh and said, ‘Our independent sovereign Bangladesh is due to whose sacrifices. Our deep love for all who were injured and disabled in the liberation war. I would like to say to them, your courageous role is still an inspiration for the freedom-loving people of Bangladesh.

He said, 'From the war of independence in 1971 to the war to protect the freedom of the country and the people in 2024 - thus, I pay my humble respects to those who gave their lives, were injured, and were subjected to torture and oppression at every critical juncture of the country."

Mentioning the most glorious award of Bangladesh, the 'Independence Award', Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, it is the most glorious state honor of the country. The 'Independence Award' was introduced by the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence, in 1977 to honor those who have made or will make memorable contributions to the country and the people in various fields in independent Bangladesh.

At the event, the Prime Minister recalled the contributions of all national leaders in the history of independence and the liberation war, including the martyred President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence.

He said, if we are stingy in remembering the role of our national leaders in history with respect for the sake of petty party interests, then future history will not forgive us. I believe that hesitating to accept historical truth is an indication of inferiority.

The Prime Minister said, every year, individuals, groups, institutions and organizations who have made glorious and meritorious contributions in the fields of independence and liberation, science and technology, medicine, education, literature, culture, sports, rural development, social service, population control, public administration, research and training and any other field are awarded the country's highest national award 'Independence Award'.

He also said, this year, the government has awarded 15 distinguished citizens and five institutions with the Independence Award for their meritorious contributions in their respective fields. My mother, former Prime Minister and national leader Begum Khaleda Zia, also received the Independence Award posthumously this year for her outstanding contribution to establishing democracy in the country and nation-building, including women's education.

Expressing heartfelt congratulations and felicitations to all the distinguished individuals and institutions who received the Independence Award, the Prime Minister said, 'Your unforgettable contribution to the country and the people in various fields will make Bangladesh prosperous. I believe that your contributions will be a source of inspiration for generations to come in Bangladesh today and in the future. Your contributions and successful works in your respective fields beyond the borders of Bangladesh will be appreciated in the world in the near future.'

He said, 'We got an independent Bangladesh in exchange for countless lives. That Bangladesh has now passed 55 years. While we have achieved many things in so many years, our achievements are not less. Therefore, to build our desired self-reliant, prosperous Bangladesh, there is no need for revenge, revenge or unnecessary debate.'

He highlighted the government's priorities and said, 'The new government has started its journey amidst a fragile economy plagued by corruption, misrule, weak governance and deteriorating law and order situation. Improving the law and order situation and strictly controlling corruption is one of the main priorities of our government.'

Noting that it is necessary to make the education system modern and work-oriented to survive in a competitive world, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, 'Bangladesh currently has a large number of working people. Creating employment for this working people is the big challenge of the moment.'

He said, not only the economy, but also our education system was in a disaster during the fascist regime. Discipline in the education system was not restored even during the interim government, unfortunately. To survive in the current competitive world, the education system in the country must be made modern and work-oriented. We have already started the work of making the education system practical.

Stating that development is not possible if women’s safety is not ensured, he said, 'Women make up more than half of the population in the country. None of our initiatives will be successful if we cannot build a safe Bangladesh for women. In this way, the government has started the work of implementing the action plan by identifying each sector.

The Prime Minister said, 'Before we were given the responsibility of running the state by the people's verdict, we had announced the party manifesto in detail before the people of the country. We had publicly signed the July Charter to implement it with the pledge to repair the state. The people have supported each of our pledges.'

He further said, 'Now it is the turn of implementing the promises made to the people. We have already started the work of implementing the promises made before the people. We will implement every clause and every promise of the party manifesto and the signed July Charter to the letter, God willing.'

Stating that a change in mentality is more important than a change in the textbook, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said, 'BNP government has proven this time and again every time it has had the opportunity to govern the country.'

Stating that the government is trying to keep everything normal even in the midst of a global war situation, the Prime Minister said, 'Although the prices of oil and diesel have been increased in all countries of the world, the current government has not increased the prices considering the suffering of the people. Despite providing hundreds of crores of taka in subsidies in this sector every day, the government is trying to keep the situation normal.'

Requesting the countrymen, he said, 'The government is continuing all possible efforts to ensure the benefits of the people. Because, the current government is the people's government. A government accountable to the people. I want to assure you that there is no reason for the people to be upset.' However, I request the countrymen to avoid extravagance in state ceremonies, even at the family level.

After the speech, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman participated in a photo session with the awardees.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister walked from his office at the Secretariat to the Osmani Auditorium around 4pm to participate in the 'Independence Award-2026' distribution ceremony. At this time, ordinary people standing on both sides of the road greeted Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. The Prime Minister also responded to their greetings by waving.

The Prime Minister reached the venue at 3:58pm, and the national anthem was playing in the background. At this time, everyone stood with the Prime Minister and paid respect to the national anthem.

At the beginning of the ceremony, Hafiz Qari Habibur Rahman recited from the Quran. After that, other religious scriptures were read one by one.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman's wife Zubaida Rahman and Khaleda Zia's sister Selima Islam were present at the ceremony.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Opposition Leader Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, cabinet members, parliamentarians, judges, chiefs of the three services and senior government officials were present at the event. Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani conducted the event.