Prime Minister Tarique Rahman hosted a reception at the Cabinet Division conference room in the Bangladesh Secretariat on Thursday (September 17) to accord state honors to Bangladeshi Quranic reciters who secured top positions at the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition held in Saudi Arabia.

Congratulating the victors, the Prime Minister emphasized that state policy will actively recognize, support, and honor the talents and achievements of Bangladeshi youth across international platforms.

"The accolades you have brought home are not merely personal achievements; they represent a collective honor for the entire nation," Prime Minister Rahman remarked during the reception. "It is a core policy of the current administration to ensure that the achievements of our youth are formally recognized by the state. Proper evaluation of talent yields long-term benefits for future generations and the country as a whole."

Policy Support and Ministerial Coordination

Addressing requests made by madrasa instructors present at the event regarding institutional and administrative challenges, the Prime Minister pledged to review the matters alongside the Ministry of Religious Affairs to formulate viable solutions.

The key policy points and commitments outlined during the reception include:

• Institutional Problem Resolution: Committing to examine administrative challenges raised by religious educators and work toward feasible policy solutions in consultation with relevant ministries.

• State Facilitation for International Events: Assuring streamlining of governmental assistance and clearance procedures for Bangladeshi delegates participating in upcoming international competitions.

• Focus on National Stability: Urging all sectors to work collaboratively to maintain civic peace, rule of law, and socio-economic progress across the country.

International Winners Honored

During the event, the Prime Minister presented gifts to the awardees and listened to recitations of Quranic verses that earned them recognition on the global stage.

The delegation of awardees from the 46th King Abdulaziz International Quran Competition—which featured participants from 133 countries—included:

• Hafez Mohammad Zakariya: First place in the 15-Juz Hifz, Tajweed, and Recitation division.

• Hafez Sheikh Mohammad Mahmudul Hasan Ashrafi: Third place in the 30-Juz Hifz, Tajweed, and Recitation division.

• Hafeza Rabitah Binte Ramadan: Third place in the 15-Juz Hifz, Tajweed, and Recitation division (Women's Category).

• Hafeza Musfira Binte Mahmud: Third place in the 30-Juz Hifz, Tajweed, and Recitation division (Women's Category).

Minister for Religious Affairs Shah Mofazzal Hossain Kaikobad, State Minister Shamim Kaiser, Cabinet Secretary Nasimul Gani, and Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister ABM Abdus Sattar were present at the reception.