PM urges energy austerity amid global crisis

Amid an ongoing global energy crunch, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called on citizens to exercise restraint in fuel consumption, urging moderation from state ceremonies to household use, reports bdnews24.com.

Speaking on Thursday at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium during the Independence Award ceremony, the premier said the government was working to keep the situation stable despite mounting external pressures.

Citing the impact of the global crisis, he said fuel prices had risen across the world, but the government refrained from increasing domestic prices to ease public hardship.

"Even though fuel prices have gone up in all countries, this government has not raised prices to avoid public suffering. We are trying to maintain stability by providing subsidies worth billions of taka every day," he said.

He added that ensuring public convenience remained a top priority.

"All possible efforts are being made to safeguard people's interests. This is a government of the people, accountable to them," he said.

During the event, Tarique formally handed over the Independence Award -- the country's highest civilian honour -- to 15 individuals, including former prime minister Khaleda Zia, and five organisations for their outstanding contributions to the country's independence and national achievements.

He also outlined broader governance priorities, saying the new administration had inherited a "fragile economy", weakened governance structures, and a deteriorating law-and-order situation due to corruption and mismanagement.

Restoring stability through strict control of corruption and improving public safety, he said, remained key priorities.

BSS adds: The premier handed over the country's highest national civil award at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in the capital.

Former three-time Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia (posthumous) was given the award for her comprehensive contributions to independence, democracy, women's education, and nation-building.

On behalf of late Begum Khaleda Zia, her granddaughter Barrister Zaima Rahman received the award from the Prime Minister.

For the contributions to the Liberation War, the award was given to Major Mohammad Abdul Jalil (posthumous) while his daughter Barrister Sara Jalil received the award.

Professor Dr Johurul Karim got the award for his work in Science and Technology while his son Dr Md Halimur Rashid received the award from the Prime Minister.

Dr Ashraf Siddiqui (posthumous) was given the award for his contribution to the field of literature while his daughter Tasnim Arefa Siddique received the award on behalf of her father.

AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) and Bashir Ahmed (posthumous) got the award under cultural category. AKM Hanif (Hanif Sanket) himself received the award from the Prime Minister while on behalf of Bashir Ahmed, his daughter Humayra Bashir received the award.

Jobera Rahman Linu received the award from the Prime Minister for her achievements in sports.

Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury (posthumous), Md Saidul Huq and Maherin Chowdhury (posthumous) were given the award under the Social or Public Service category.

Md Saidul Huq himself received the award from the Prime Minister while on behalf of Dr Zafrullah Chowdhury, his son Barish Hasan Chowdhury and on behalf Maherin Chowdhury, her husband Mansur Helal received the award.

Kazi Fazlur Rahman (posthumous) got the award for his contribution to the field of Public Administration while his daughter Tabassum Shahnaj received the award on behalf of him.

Dr Mohammad Abdul Baqi, Professor Dr MA Rahim and Professor Dr Sukomal Barua received the award under the category of Research and Training.

Abdul Mukit Majumdar (Mukit Majumdar Babu) was awarded for his efforts in Environmental Conservation.

Besides, the five Independence Award- 2026 winning institutions are: Faujdarhat Cadet College (Liberation War), Dhaka Medical College Hospital (Medicine), Palli Karma-Sahayak Foundation (PKSF) (Rural Development), SOS Children's Village International in Bangladesh (Social Service), and Gonoshasthaya Kendra (Social Service).