PM says state will recognise achievements of talented citizens

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said the government would recognise the achievements of talented citizens at the state level, as he honoured Bangladeshi hafiz who won prizes at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition in Saudi Arabia.

The reception was held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Congratulating the winners, Tarique said their achievements were not only a personal accomplishment but also a source of pride for Muslims across Bangladesh.

“Almost all of you have mentioned that after a long time, hafiz have been encouraged and honoured. It is a policy of the current government that when the children of this country, who are the future of the nation, achieve something through their merit and talent, the government will try to recognise such achievements at the state level,” he said.

The prime minister stressed the importance of encouraging talented people and ensuring proper recognition of their abilities.

“If we can encourage talented people and ensure proper recognition, future generations and the country will benefit. The country will benefit, and the people will benefit,” he said.

He said the government had been working to encourage talented and qualified people since taking office, adding that inviting the hafiz who won prizes in the international competition was part of that initiative.

Teachers of the award-winning hafiz raised several issues with the prime minister during the programme. Tarique said he would discuss the matters with the relevant minister and explore possible solutions.

“You have raised some issues. We will see whether there is any way to resolve them and, if possible, InshaAllah, we will look into them. We will certainly try to do whatever is possible from our side,” he said.

He also assured them of government support for participation in future international competitions.

“If similar competitions are held in the future and government assistance is required, inform us through the proper channels. We will take whatever measures are possible from the government’s side,” he said.

“We want our boys and girls to participate in such international competitions and bring honour and glory to themselves, the country and its people,” he added.

Tarique also called for collective efforts to establish peace and bring positive changes to the country.

“Our ways of working may be somewhat different, but our goal is the same — to establish peace in the country so that everyone can live well and peacefully. People should be able to live with dignity. That is our effort and our initiative,” he said.

Seeking people’s support and prayers for the government, he said, “We want to work for the country and its people. We want to move forward together with everyone and bring positive changes to the country.”

The prime minister presented books to the winners and listened to them recite verses from the surahs with which they had won prizes in the competition.

Bangladeshi hafiz Mohammad Zakaria secured first place among contestants from 133 countries in the 15-juz Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category.

Hafiz Sheikh Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan Ashrafi secured third place in the 30-juz Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category. Hafiza Rabeta Binte Ramadan and Hafiza Musfira Binte Mahmud secured third place in the 15-juz and 30-juz Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation categories, respectively.

Religious Affairs Minister Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, State Minister Shamim Kaisar, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar and Maulana Rafiqul Islam attended the event.

Teachers of the award-winning hafiz — Qayyum Molla, Moinuddin Majumdar, Abu Bakar and Sajeda Khatun — were also present.