Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday pledged that the current government will strive to build a liberal democratic state rooted in moral values and dignity, enabling the nation to progress in all areas of knowledge and science, including education, literature, arts and technology.
Addressing the Ekushey Padak–2026 awards ceremony at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital in the morning, the Prime Minister emphasised that politicising education, research, arts and literature does not reflect the values of a civilised society.
“The present democratic government is committed to creating a liberal democratic state system backed by ethical principles and dignity, so that Bangladesh can advance in diverse fields of knowledge and science,” he said.
Highlighting the importance of guidance from the nation’s eminent personalities, the premier said that while elected officials manage state affairs, the perspectives of scholars and distinguished figures are crucial for societal advancement.
“The more accomplished individuals a society has, the more enlightened and morally sound that society becomes,” he added.
Recalling the origins of the Ekushey Padak, the Prime Minister noted that the award was first introduced in independent Bangladesh by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to honour exceptional citizens.
He said that the award does more than recognise achievement; it helps preserve and remember the historical milestones of Bangladesh - from the 1952 Language Movement to the present day.
Describing the Ekushey Padak as a bridge connecting the nation’s history with its present, he said the honour introduces the public to those who have enriched the country through their work in education, literature, arts, science and other fields.
Since its inception in 1976 with awards in only three categories, the Ekushey Padak has expanded to at least 12 fields, reflecting diverse contributions across sectors such as language, liberation, education, research and culture, the Prime Minister added.
He expressed hope that the advancement of knowledge, science and literature would become even more pronounced in the future.
The Prime Minister reaffirmed the state’s commitment to further accelerate progress in education, research and cultural pursuits.
Tarique Rahman arrived at the venue on foot from his office in the Secretariat’s Cabinet Division at around 10:53am.
The event, organised by the Cultural Affairs Ministry, began with the national anthem and religious recitations.
Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury chaired the ceremony.
Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani oversaw the presentation of awards and read the citations.
State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam spoke as a special guest, while Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman delivered the welcome address.
Cabinet members, members of parliament, diplomats, and senior civil and military officials were also present.
This year’s Ekushey Padak honours were bestowed upon nine individuals and one music band for their remarkable contributions.
The recipients are: 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).
Reflecting on International Mother Language Day on 21 February, the Prime Minister described February as a month of profound significance in the nation’s history, representing both the struggle for linguistic dignity and the pursuit of human rights.
“21 February embodies the quest for identity and the spirit of resistance against oppression,” he said, adding that the month continues to be a time for honouring poets, writers, artists and language activists.
Tarique Rahman paid homage to the language martyrs, marking nearly 75 years since the Language Movement, and prayed for their eternal honour.
He also expressed his desire to see Bangla language and literature gain greater recognition on the global stage.
The ceremony concluded with a group photograph of the Prime Minister and the awardees.
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