Prime Minister Tarique Rahman honoured four Bangladeshis who won prizes at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Holy Quran Competition held in Saudi Arabia last August, saying the government would make efforts to recognise the achievements of talented citizens at the state level.
He made the remarks at a reception for the prize-winning Hafizs at the Cabinet Division conference room of the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday.
“The award you have won is not just your achievement; I believe this is an achievement for all Muslims of Bangladesh,” he said.
Tarique said state recognition for meritorious achievements by young people was a policy of the current government, adding that encouraging and properly evaluating talented individuals would benefit future generations and the nation.
Teachers of the winning madrasas raised several issues facing their institutions. Assuring them of discussions with the minister concerned, the prime minister said, “You have mentioned some problems. If we have any way to solve them, Insha Allah, we will try our best to look into it as far as possible on our part.”
He also assured government assistance for future international events and urged organisers and participants to inform the authorities according to rules whenever support is required.
“We want our boys and girls to participate in such international competitions and bring honour and glory for themselves, for the country, and for the people of the country,” he said.
Before his address, Tarique listened to Quran recitations performed by the Hafiz during the competition and presented them with books as gifts.
The competition featured contestants from 133 countries. Bangladeshi Hafiz Mohammad Zakaria secured first place in the 15 Para Hifz, Tajweed, and Beautiful Recitation category, while Hafiz Sheikh Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan Ashrafi stood third in the 30 Para Hifz, Tajweed, and Beautiful Recitation category.
Hafeza Rabeta Binte Ramzan won third place in the 15 Para category, while Hafeza Musfira Binte Mahmud secured third place in the 30 Para Hifz, Tajweed, and Beautiful Recitation category.
Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, State Minister Shamim Kaiser, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar and Maulana Rafiqul Islam attended the reception, along with teachers Kaiyum Mollah, Moinuddin Mazumder, Abu Bakar and Sajeda Khatun.
