Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday assured the country’s people not to be worried over the global crisis caused by the Middle East war but urged them to exercise restraint and avoid extravagance in state functions and family spending.
“Even amid the global war situation, we are trying to keep everything normal. Although fuel prices, including diesel, have been increased in all countries across the world, the current government has not raised prices in order to avoid public suffering,” he said.
Addressing the ‘Independence Award-2026’ ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital, Tarique said the government is spending hundreds of crores of taka every day in subsidies in the fuel and energy sector to maintain stability and keep the situation normal.
He said the government is continuing all possible efforts to ensure public welfare as this is a government of people and accountable to them.
He said the new BNP-led government has started its journey amid a fragile economy weakened by corruption and mismanagement along with a weak governance structure and a deteriorating law and order situation.
Restoring peace and security in public life through improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is one of the government’s key priorities, Tarique observed.
Stating that Bangladesh currently has a large working-age population, he said creating employment opportunities for this group is one of the major challenges at present.
Earlier, the Prime Minister conferred the ‘Independence Award-2026’ on 15 distinguished individuals, including former Prime Minister Khaleda Zia and five institutions, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country.
He recalled that BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman introduced the award.
The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian honour, given in recognition of outstanding contributions by individuals and institutions to the nation.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the programme and presented brief profiles of all the award recipients.
Prime Minister’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman and Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam were present at the programme organised by the Cabinet Division.
Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman, members of the cabinet, MPs, judges, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the programme.
The Cabinet Division earlier announced the names of the nominees for this year’s Independence Award through a press release on March 5.
The Independence Award is the country’s highest civilian honour introduced in 1977 and awarded annually on the occasion of Independence Day on March 26.
