DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has given a clarion call to infuse the spirit of the language movement among the new generation to face the enemies of independence and Ekushey.
On Thursday, she declared: “Those who deny the spirit of the language movement and the four pillars of independence are enemies of Ekushey and independence."
"The spirit of Ekushey must be spread among the new generation to make Bangladesh stronger."
She made the remarks while handing over Ekushey Padak-2014 to the recipients at Osmani Memorial Hall.
Hasina said, "Your responsibility to implement the spirit of Ekushey has
increased further from today and it is our expectation that you would play a pioneering role in promoting Bangla language, literature and culture.
Ekushey Padak, one of the highest civilian awards of the country introduced in memory of the martyrs of the
language movement of 1952, was conferred on 15 distinguished persons for their outstanding contribution to their respective fields.
The recipients are: Shamsul Huda and late Dr Badrul Alam for Language Movement, Samarjit Roy Chowdhury, Ramkanai Das, late SM Solaiman and Keramat Mawla for arts, Golam Sarwar for journalism, Professor Dr Enamul Haque for research, Dr Anupam Sen for education, Jamil Chowdhury, Belal Chowdhury, Rashid Haider, Biprodash Borua and late Abdus Shakur for language and literature and Professor Emeritus Dr. Mujibur Rahman for social services.
The award carries a gold medal, a cheque for Tk one lakh and a citation.
Cultural Affairs Secretary Dr Ranjit Kumar Biswas delivered
the welcome speech and read out the citation of the Ekushey
Padak recipients.
Cultural Affairs Minister Asaduzzaman Noor presided over the function.
BDST: 1633 HRS, FEB 20, 2014
