Uphold Bangla
PM tells Ekushey Padak-2018 distribution event; 21 eminent citizens receive the honour
Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday emphasised maintaining the distinctive characters of Bangla and the country's culture and tradition while moving forward.
“We need to make sure we must not forget our language, culture and tradition. We may have to learn many languages, many things and use newer technologies, but we'll have to uphold our own distinctive identity. We can move ahead maintaining all this,” she said.
The premier was speaking at a function marking the distribution of Ekushey Padak-2018 organised by the cultural affairs ministry at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.
She said Bangalees, as a nation, have many things to be proud of. “We have to preserve and publicise those for the future generation.”
Hasina said this should be done so that no one forgets the heritage and culture of the nation. “We must uphold the distinctive characters of our culture, tradition and heritage.”
She said the Bangalees have earned everything through struggles and sacrifices. Hence “we must uphold these achievements.”
The new generation must know the nation's glorious history to face the future challenges as Bangladesh will never bow down to others, she said.
Hasina also reminded people about the ghosts of Pakistani occupational forces as they are still there in the country.
After returning to power in 2009, she said her government has taken numerous programmes for the overall development of the country.
Congratulating the Ekushey Padak recipients, she hoped that the award will inspire the future generation to work for people.
She said the Ekushey is a symbol of grief, strength and glory in the life of every Bangalee. On this day in 1952, many valiant sons of the soil, including Rafiq, Shafique, Salam, Jabbar and Barkat, sacrificed their lives for protecting the dignity of the mother tongue.
21 RECEIVE EKUSHEY PADAK
Hasina yesterday distributed the Ekushey Padak, the second highest civilian awards in the country, among 21 eminent citizens for their contributions to their respective fields.
AZM Takiullah (posthumous) and Prof Dr Mirza Mazharul Islam received the award for their role in the language movement while Sheikh Sadi Khan, Sujeyo Shyam, Indra Mohan Rajbongshi, Khurshid Alam and Motiul Haque Khan won for music.
Minu Haque and Humayun Faridi (posthumous) got the Padak for dance and acting respectively while Nikhil Sen, Kalidas Karmakar and Golam Mostofa for drama, fine arts and photography.
Ranesh Moitro and Prof Julekha Haque (posthumous) and Dr Mainul Islam won the award for journalism, research and economics respectively while actor Ilias Kanchan for social work.
Prof Syed Manzoorul Islam, Saiful Islam Khan (poet Hayat Saef), Subrata Barua, Robiul Hussain and Khalekdad Chowdhury received the award for language and literature.
Each recipient received a gold medal, a certificate and a cheque for Tk 2 lakh.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor presided over the function while Cabinet Secretary M Shafiul Alam read out citations of the recipients of the award. Cultural Affairs Secretary Ibraheem Hosein Khan delivered the welcome address.