Govt to recognise all achievements based on merit, talent: PM

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday honoured four Bangladeshi hafizes who won prizes at an international Holy Quran competition in Saudi Arabia, pledging that his government would continue to recognise achievements based on merit and talent.
“You have won the prizes, and I think it is an achievement not only for you, but for all Muslims in Bangladesh,” he said, referring to the prize-winning hafizes who participated in the 46th King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition in Saudi Arabia last month.
Speaking at a reception at the Cabinet Division’s meeting room at the Secretariat, the prime minister said the government’s policy was to recognise the achievements of the country’s children, who are the future of the nation.
“The nation and future generations will surely benefit if talented individuals are encouraged and properly evaluated,” he said, stressing the importance of supporting talented people. Claiming that efforts had been made to encourage talented and qualified individuals since his government took office, Tarique said the invitation extended to the hafizes was part of those initiatives.
Teachers from the madrasas attended by the award-winning hafizes also raised some of the problems they face. The prime minister assured them that necessary measures would be taken in consultation with the relevant ministries. He also assured the teachers of the government’s full support and encouraged children to participate in similar international competitions in future.
“There may be more such competitions in the future. If you require any assistance from the government to participate in these events, inform us through the proper channels. We will do whatever is possible on behalf of the government,” he said. Tarique, who is also chairman of the ruling BNP, urged everyone to work together to establish peace and bring qualitative change to the country.
“Our work pattern may be different, but our goal is one: ensuring peace in the country so that we can all live here peacefully,” he said.
He also sought cooperation from people of all classes and professions to ensure public welfare and move the country forward together. At the event, the prime minister presented books to the prize winners and listened to them recite verses from the Quran.
Mohammad Zakaria secured first place in the 15-Para Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category among contestants from 133 countries. Sheikh Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan Ashrafi won third place in the 30-Para category. Hafeza Rabeta Binte Ramzan and Hafeza Musfira Binte Mahmud secured third places in the 15-Para and 30-Para categories respectively.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad, State Minister Mohammad Shamim Kaiser, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and Maulana Rafiqul Islam were present.