United News of Bangladesh

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday said education, research, arts and literature should remain free from political influence in a civilised society. “I believe that politicising education, research and the practice of arts and literature is never a mark of a civilised society,” he said while addressing the Ekushey Padak 2026 award ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium. The Prime Minister said the government is working to establish a liberal democratic state system with strong moral standards so that the country can move forward in all branches of knowledge, including education, literature, arts, science and technology. “In this journey, we certainly expect guidance and direction from the country’s wise and learned citizens,” he said. Although politicians are entrusted with the responsibility of running the state, Tarique said, wise and distinguished citizens play the role of guiding forces in society. PM promises UN recognition of Bangla, globalising Ekushey Book Fair He said the greater the number of accomplished individuals in a state and society, the more enlightened that society becomes in terms of prosperity and moral standards. “So, the state honours distinguished citizens out of its own need, and in doing so, it honours itself,” the Prime Minister added. Referring to the history of the award, he said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the proclaimer of Bangladesh's independence, had introduced the Ekushey Padak for the first time in independent Bangladesh from this very realisation.   He said the Ekushey Padak is not merely an award. "Through it, the nation remembers historic events from the 1952 Language Movement to the present day."   At the same time, he said, the award introduces the people to those distinguished individuals who have enriched themselves, the state and society through their contributions to education, literature, arts and research. The Prime Minister described February 21 as a ‘symbol of Bangladesh’s identity’ and expressed hope that Bangla language and literature would one day shine in the world of global literature. “February holds special importance in our national history. February 21 is a marker of our identity. It is the lifeblood of our national consciousness. Bangla language and literature will surely one day spread light in the world of literature. We look forward to that proud day,” he added. The Prime Minister also congratulated this year’s awardees and wished them long, creative and meaningful lives. Tarique said February 21 represents both the struggle to establish the dignity of the mother tongue and a movement to assert rights against oppression. “So, February is a month of self-realisation and a month to rediscover our roots.” Paying tribute to the language martyrs, Tarique said, “With deep respect, I remember the language movement activists. May Allah accept their deaths as martyrdom.” The Prime Minister also said the state and the government would continue to fulfil their responsibilities to further promote education, research and cultural activities. Earlier, he handed over Ekushey Padak medals to nine distinguished individuals and one music band in recognition of their outstanding contributions in various fields. The ceremony, conducted by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, was also addressed by Cultural Affairs Minister Nitai Roy Chowdhury, State Minister Ali Newaz Mahmud Khaiyam and Cultural Affairs Secretary Md Mofidur Rahman.