Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has urged the nation to identify and honor individuals who silently contribute to the welfare of society. During the ceremony for the "Swadhinata Purashkar-2024" (Independence Award-2024), she emphasized the importance of acknowledging those who work selflessly for the betterment of others without seeking recognition for themselves.

Addressing the audience at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, the Prime Minister highlighted the significant role played by individuals who operate behind the scenes, dedicating themselves to various causes for the betterment of society. She expressed her government's commitment to identifying and honoring these unsung heroes with awards as a token of appreciation for their altruistic endeavors.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina also condemned the distortion of Bangladesh's Liberation War history by certain quarters, particularly criticizing the actions of the BNP-Jamaat clique. She emphasized her government's efforts to preserve the true history of the Liberation War, including the recognition of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's historic March 7 speech as an international heritage document.

Reflecting on Bangladesh's journey towards development, the Prime Minister highlighted the nation's progress under the leadership of the Awami League government. She underscored the government's commitment to building a prosperous and developed Bangladesh, aligning with the vision outlined in the 2024 election manifesto.

In addition to honoring individuals for their contributions, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina reiterated Bangladesh's commitment to maintaining peaceful relations with other nations, adhering to the foreign policy of "Friendship to all, malice to none." She condemned the Israeli attack on Gaza and reaffirmed Bangladesh's stance against war, emphasizing the country's efforts to resolve the Rohingya repatriation issue through diplomatic means.

The ceremony also recognized the recipients of the Independence Award-2024 across various categories, including valiant freedom fighters, scientists, medical professionals, cultural figures, athletes, and social service activists. Each awardee received a gold medal, a certificate, and a cash honorarium, symbolizing the nation's gratitude for their exceptional contributions.

The event, moderated by Cabinet Secretary Md. Mahbub Hossain, celebrated the achievements of these outstanding individuals and served as a reminder of Bangladesh's commitment to honoring its heroes and preserving its rich history of struggle and independence.