Prime Minister Tarique Rahman hosted a formal felicitation ceremony on Thursday at the Cabinet Division conference room inside the Bangladesh Secretariat to honor four Bangladeshi Hafizs who secured prestigious accolades at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition in Saudi Arabia, reaffirming the state's commitment to acknowledging high-achieving citizens.

“You have not only brought this achievement for yourselves. I believe it is an achievement of all Muslims in Bangladesh,” the prime minister remarked while addressing the laureates.

Extending his warm congratulations, PM Tarique emphasized that state recognition of merit forms a cornerstone of administration policy.

“Almost all of you have mentioned that Hafizs have been encouraged and honoured after a long time. This is a policy of the present government that when the children of the country, who are the future of the country, achieve something good through their ability and merit, the government will try to recognise that achievement from the state’s position,” he stated.

He added that fostering and accurately evaluating talent yields tangible long-term dividends for future generations and national progress, noting that hosting the awardees aligns with ongoing initiatives launched since assuming office.

During the interactive session, accompanying educators presented specific concerns to the head of government.

In response, PM Tarique pledged to consult the appropriate ministerial authority to investigate viable remedies.

“You have mentioned some problems. We will see, InshaAllah, whether there is any way to solve them and, if so, what that way is. We will certainly try to do whatever is possible from our side,” he assured.

Furthermore, the prime minister promised institutional backing for upcoming global events.

“There may be more such competitions ahead. If government support is needed to participate in such competitions in the future, you will inform us through the proper channels. We will take whatever measures are possible from the government’s side,” he said, expressing aspirations for broader youth representation and international glory.

Urging unified pursuits toward tranquility and constructive societal reform, PM Tarique acknowledged operational diversity while emphasizing shared objectives.

“That is to establish peace in the country so that everyone can live well and peacefully together. So that people can live like human beings. That is our effort, that is our initiative,” he declared.

Requesting public prayers and collaborative backing, he added, “We want to work for the country and its people. We want to move forward together with everyone. We want to bring positive changes to the country together with everyone.”

Prior to presenting literary gift sets to the laureates, the prime minister listened attentively as the Hafizs recited selections from the specific surahs that earned them their international honors.

Competing against contestants from 133 nations, Bangladesh’s Hafiz Mohammad Zakaria captured first place in the 15-para Hifz, Tajweed, and melodic recitation division.

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

Parallel achievements were recorded by Hafiza Rabeta Binte Ramzan and Hafiza Musfira Binte Mahmud, who secured third-place finishes in the 15-para and 30-para categories, respectively.

The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including Religious Affairs Minister Kazi Shah Mofazzal Houssain Kaikobad, State Minister Shamim Kaiser, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Ghani, and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar.

Mentors of the victorious scholars—Qayum Molla, Muinuddeen Majumder, Abu Bakar, Sajeda Khatun, and Maulana Rafiqul Islam—were also present for the occasion.