Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday hosted a reception for Bangladeshi Hafizs who won prizes at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition held in Saudi Arabia last month.

Congratulating the winners, the prime minister said the government would seek to recognise, at the state level, the achievements of the country's children whenever they accomplish something good through their merit and ability.

"You have won these prizes, and this is not only your achievement. I believe it is an achievement of all Muslims in Bangladesh," he said.

The reception was held at the Cabinet Division conference room at the Bangladesh Secretariat.

Referring to the importance of encouraging and honouring the Hafizs, Tarique said, "Almost all of you have mentioned that after a long time Hafizs have been encouraged and honoured. It is a policy of the present government that those who are the children of this country and who are the future of the country will have their good achievements, attained through their ability and merit, recognised by the government at the state level."

The prime minister stressed the need to encourage talented people and ensure their proper recognition.

"If we can encourage talented people and properly evaluate their abilities, future generations and the country will certainly benefit. The country and its people will benefit," he said.

Tarique  Rahman said the government had been trying to encourage meritorious and qualified people since taking office, and inviting the prize-winning Hafizs to the reception was part of that initiative.

Teachers of the prize-winning Hafizs raised some of their concerns with the prime minister at the programme.

Mentioning that he would discuss the issues with the relevant minister, Tarique Rahman said, "You have mentioned some problems. If there is any way for us to resolve them, or if there is a possible solution, Insha'Allah, we will look into it. We will certainly try to do whatever is possible from our side."

He also assured the participants of government assistance in taking part in international competitions in the future.

"There may be more such competitions ahead. If you need any assistance from the government to participate in such competitions in the future, inform us through the proper channel. We will make arrangements for whatever is possible from the government's side," he said.

"We want our boys and girls to participate in such international competitions and, through their participation, bring honour and glory to themselves, the country and its people," the prime minister added.

Calling on all to work together to establish peace and bring about positive change in the country, Tarique said their approaches might differ but their goal was the same.

"Our goal is to establish peace in the country so that we can all live well and in peace. We want people to be able to live with dignity as human beings. That is our effort and that is our initiative," he said.

Seeking everyone's cooperation and prayers for the government, he said, "We want to work for the country and its people. We want to move forward together with everyone. We want to bring about positive changes in the country together with everyone."

The prime minister presented books to the winners at the reception. Earlier, he listened to the Hafizs recite verses from the Surahs with which they competed and won prizes.

At the competition in Saudi Arabia, Bangladeshi Hafiz Mohammad Zakaria secured first place in the 15-para Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category among contestants from 133 countries.

Hafiz Sheikh Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan Ashrafi secured third place in the 30-para Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category.

Hafiza Rabeta Binte Ramadan also secured third place in the 15-para category, while Hafiza Musfira Binte Mahmud secured third place in the 30-para Hifz, Tajweed and beautiful recitation category.

Religious Affairs Minister Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaykobad, State Minister Shamim Kaisar, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister A B M Abdus Sattar were present.

Teachers of the prize-winning Hafizs — Qayum Mollah, Mueenuddin Majumdar, Abu Bakar, Sajeda Khatun and Maulana Rafiqul Islam — also attended the programme.