Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Thursday urged the people of Bangladesh not to be worried about the global crisis sparked by the ongoing war in the Middle East, though he called for nationwide restraint and a move toward austerity.

Speaking at the 'Independence Award 2026' ceremony at the Osmani Memorial Auditorium, the Prime Minister advised citizens to avoid extravagance in both state functions and personal family spending to navigate the current economic climate.

"Even amid the global war situation, we are trying to keep everything normal. Although fuel prices, including diesel, have been increased in all countries across the world, the current government has not raised prices in order to avoid public suffering," he stated.

He further explained that the government is spending "hundreds of crores of taka every day in subsidies in the fuel and energy sector to maintain stability and keep the situation normal."

Reflecting on the domestic situation, the Prime Minister emphasized that his administration is committed to public welfare, asserting that "this is a government of people and accountable to them."

He noted that the new BNP-led government began its tenure facing a "fragile economy weakened by corruption and mismanagement," as well as a deteriorating law and order situation.

Consequently, he observed that restoring peace through strictly controlling corruption and improving security remains a top priority.

Addressing the nation's demographics, he noted that Bangladesh possesses a large working-age population and acknowledged that "creating employment opportunities for this group is one of the major challenges at present."

The ceremony served as the platform for the Prime Minister to confer the nation's highest civilian honor on 15 individuals—including former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia—and five institutions.

He recalled that the award was originally introduced in 1977 by BNP founder and former President Ziaur Rahman.

The event, moderated by Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, was attended by a high-profile audience including the Prime Minister’s spouse Dr. Zubaida Rahman, daughter Barrister Zaima Rahman, and Begum Khaleda Zia’s sister Selima Islam.

Also in attendance were Local Government Minister Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, Home Minister Salahuddin Ahmed, Leader of the Opposition Shafiqur Rahman and various diplomats and military chiefs.

The award, which recognizes outstanding national contributions, continues to be the hallmark of Bangladeshi civic recognition.