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economy weakened by corruption and mismanagement, along with a weak governance structure and a deteriorating law and order situation.

Restoring peace and security in public life through improving law and order and strictly controlling corruption is one of the government’s key priorities, Tarique observed.

Stating that Bangladesh currently has a large working-age population, he said that creating employment opportunities for this group is one of the major challenges at present.

“Not only the economy, but the education system also suffered a major setback during the fascist rule. Unfortunately, even during the interim government period, order in the education system has not been restored.”

In today’s competitive world, the education system must be modernised and made job-oriented to ensure survival, he said, adding that work has already begun to make the education system more practical.

Tarique said more than half of the country’s population is women and no initiative can succeed easily unless a safe Bangladesh is ensured for them.

The premier said the government earlier presented its election manifesto to people and signed the July charter with a commitment to state reform.

“People have supported all our commitments. Now it is time for implementation. We have already started working on fulfilling our promises.”

Tarique said his government will implement the party manifesto and every clause and word of the signed July charter.

“Personally, I believe that a change in mindset is more important than changes on paper. The BNP government has proved it repeatedly whenever it has had the opportunity to run the state.”

The PM said Bangladesh gained independence at the cost of many lives and has now completed 55 years as an independent nation. “We have both achievements and shortcomings. To build a self-reliant and prosperous Bangladesh, we must avoid revenge, retaliation, and unnecessary controversy.”

Quoting BNP founder and former president Ziaur Rahman, Tarique said, “National unity is our strength; division is our weakness.”

Tarique said differences of opinion are natural in a democracy but they should not turn into hostility. “We must remain alert about the country’s interest, as anti-Bangladesh forces are still waiting for opportunities.”

He remembered the role and contributions of all national leaders in the country’s independence and Liberation War history, including Shaheed president Ziaur Rahman, with deep respect and affection.

“If we, for narrow partisan interests, fail to respectfully acknowledge the roles of our national leaders, then history will not forgive us. I believe that hesitation in accepting historical truth reflects an inferiority complex.”

Earlier, the PM conferred the “Independence Award-2026” on 15 distinguished individuals, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia and five institutions, in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the country.

He recalled that former president Ziaur Rahman introduced the award.

PM’s wife Zubaida Rahman, daughter Zaima Rahman, and Khaleda’s sister Selima Islam were present at the event organised by the Cabinet Division.

LGRD Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Opposition Leader Shafiqur Rahman, chiefs of the three services, and diplomats, among others, attended the programme, conducted by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani.