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In a powerful address at the Ekushey Padak 2025 award ceremony on Thursday, February 20, Dr. Muhammad Yunus, the Chief Advisor of the Interim Government, shared a hopeful and motivating message for the future of Bangladesh.
Speaking at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka, Dr. Yunus emphasized how the youth of today are full of energy, creativity, and bold dreams, stating, "We are now stronger, more energetic, and more creative than any time in the past."
Reflecting on the aspirations of the younger generation, Dr. Yunus said, "The dreams of our younger generation are more audacious than any of the dreams from previous generations. They not only aspire to create a new Bangladesh but also wish to create a new world with the same level of confidence. They aim to take the lead in creating this new world. Both the boys and the girls are ready to take on this leadership."
He further explained the vision for this new world, adding, "They want to break free from the shackles of a deteriorating, self-destructive civilization and build a new civilization based on their dreams. The main objective of this civilization will be to ensure equal access for everyone to the world’s resources, to guarantee that every individual has the opportunity to dream and to achieve those dreams, and to establish a way of life that will not disrupt the existence of the Earth or harm the well-being of any living creatures on it."
Dr. Yunus took a moment to honor the achievements of those present, congratulating the recipients of the Ekushey Padak 2025. "I extend my congratulations to the distinguished individuals who have been honored with the Ekushey Padak today, on behalf of the people of Bangladesh. The nation is deeply grateful for your contributions. You are the guiding lights for the nation. Inspired by your work, the country will continue to firmly establish itself in an increasingly prominent position on the global stage," he said.
During the ceremony, Dr. Yunus also reflected on the significance of the day. "On this remarkable day of Shaheed Dibash (Martyrs’ Day) and International Mother Language Day 2025, we hope that the dreams of our youth will soon be realized," he expressed.
Looking back at the events that led to the formation of a new Bangladesh, Dr. Yunus recalled, "Through the uprising of students, workers, and the general public on August 5 of last year, we gained a new Bangladesh. This victory opened up a new opportunity to build a new Bangladesh. At this award ceremony, I bow my head in deep respect and remembrance for the brave students, workers, and citizens who sacrificed their lives or were injured during various struggles for the nation, including the language movement of 1952, the liberation war of 1971, and the uprising on February 24."
He continued, reflecting on the deep connection to the nation`s history: "In the transformed circumstances of our country, this year`s Amar Ekushey (Immortal Language Day) holds a new significance. We all recognize that February 21st is an eternal symbol of our identity. It is the heartbeat of our sense of self-determination. It was on this day in 1952 that the student community rose in defiance of the unjust decision by the Pakistani rulers regarding the state language. They shed their blood on the streets of Dhaka to establish Bengali as the state language. Through this language movement, an incredible awakening of our consciousness for self-determination began."
Dr. Yunus concluded his speech by expressing gratitude for the work of those who continue to guide the nation. "I express my heartfelt gratitude to those who have been recognized by the nation today for showing the way forward for the future of our country, and I congratulate them once again," he said.
This year`s ceremony celebrated the contributions of those who have significantly shaped the country`s progress, while also highlighting the power of youth and their role in building a better future for Bangladesh and the world.
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