Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday reiterated his government's commitment to building a liberal democratic state rooted in moral standards and dignity, emphasizing that education, research, arts, and literature must remain free from political influence.
"I believe that politicizing education, research, arts and literature is never a sign of a civilized society," he said while addressing the Ekushey Padak-2026 award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury presided over the function, while Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani conducted the ceremony and read out the citations. State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam attended as a special guest, and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome speech. Cabinet members, lawmakers, diplomats, and senior civil and military officials were also present.
This year, the government conferred the Ekushey Padak on nine individuals and one music band for their outstanding contributions: Farida Akhtar Babita (Film); Professor Md Abdus Sattar (Fine Arts); Marina Tabassum (Architecture); Ayub Bachchu (Music, posthumous); Arthy Ahmed (Dance); Islam Uddin Palakar (Palagan); Shafik Rehman (Journalism); Professor Dr Mahbubul Alam Majumdar (Education); Tejosh Haldar Josh (Sculpture); and Warfaze (Music Band).
The ceremony began with the national anthem and recitations from religious scriptures, followed by a photo session with the Prime Minister and awardees. Congratulating the recipients, Tarique Rahman wished them long and successful lives and expressed hope that Bangla language and literature would gain recognition on the global stage.
He stressed that the government is committed to advancing the country across all fields of knowledge, including education, literature, arts, science, and technology.
"While elected representatives are entrusted with running the state, scholars and distinguished citizens guide society," he said. "The greater the number of accomplished individuals in a society, the more enlightened and prosperous it becomes."
Recalling the award's origins, the Prime Minister noted that the Ekushey Padak was introduced in 1976 by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman. Initially awarded in three categories, it now recognizes achievements in at least 12 fields, including the Language Movement, Liberation War, education, research, arts, science, and technology.
Highlighting the significance of February 21, observed as International Mother Language Day, Tarique Rahman called it "a reminder of our identity" and "the lifeblood of our cultural consciousness." He paid tribute to the language martyrs, describing the month as a time for realizing self-identity and honoring the struggle for dignity and rights.
