The New Nation - Internet Edition

UNB, Dhaka

Chief Adviser Dr Fakhruddin Ahmed Wednesday said now is the time for the people to turn around and make a fresh start on the right path to progress through taking a lesson from mistakes of the past.

"As a nation we have a tradition of struggle, indomitable will force, exemplary tolerance and intense devotion to work. Common people of the country are advancing in the struggle of life regularly facing various kinds of disasters. A nation that has earned independence through a great liberation war cannot concede defeat," he told a function of national award giving ceremony.

The head of caretaker government, which is carrying out sweeping reforms ahead of pending elections, called for intensifying the momentum of combined efforts of all and foster a steel-solid determination for country's development and progress imbued with the sprit of Amar Ekushey.

He termed the Amar Ekushey a visible symbol of "our patriotism, national spirit and united effort".

He reminded that Ekattur (71, the year of Liberation War) came treading the bloodstained path of Bahanno (52, the year of Language Movement) and the nation got the recognition of an independent national identity, but the nation's dreams and aspirations were dashed for various reasons.

The Chief Adviser of the interim government made the observations while addressing the Ekushey Padak (Award) 2008 giving ceremony organized at Osmani Memorial Auditorium by the Cultural Affairs Ministry.

Dr Fakhruddin distributed the prestigious award among the recipients and family members of those awarded posthumously. Nine persons, five of them posthumously, were adjudged for the Ekushey Padak 2008 for their extraordinary contributions in their respective fields. The awarded persons are Dr Nazma Chowdhury (Research), Khandokar Nurul Alam (Music), Wahidul Huq (Music, posthumous), Shamsundar Boishnob (Music, posthumous), Shefali Ghosh (Music, posthumous), Professor Dr Mozaffar Ahmad (Education), Khaleque Nowaz Khan (Language Veteran, posthumous), Professor Dr Zohra Begum Kazi (Social Work, posthumous) and Kabi Dilwar Khan (Literature).

The award carries a gold medal, a citation of honors and a cheque for Tk 40,000 each.

On behalf of the recipients, Professor Mozaffar Ahmad spoke at the function.

Cultural Affairs Adviser Rasheda K Chowdhury chaired the function conducted by Cabinet Secretary Ali Imam Majumder. Deputy Speaker, Advisers, Special Assistants to Chief Adviser, distinguished personalities, academics, poets, writers, singers and cultural activists were among others present.