TDS Desk:

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday (16 April) assured the country’s people not to worry over the global crisis caused by the Middle East war, but urged them to exercise restraint and avoid extravagance in state functions and family spending.

“Even amid the global war situation, we are trying to keep everything normal. Although fuel prices, including diesel, have been increased in all countries across the world, the current government has not raised prices in order to avoid public suffering,” he said during the Independence Award-2026 ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Tarique said the government is spending hundreds of crores of taka every day in subsidies in the fuel and energy sector to maintain stability and keep the situation normal.

He said the government is continuing all possible efforts to ensure public welfare, as this is a government of the people and accountable to them.

He added that the new BNP-led government has started its journey amid a fragile 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 said.

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

Earlier, Tarique 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.

The prime minister’s spouse Dr Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam were present at the programme organised by the Cabinet Division.

Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Shafiqur Rahman, members of the cabinet, MPs, judges, chiefs of the three services, diplomats, senior civil and military officials, and other dignitaries were present at the programme.