Dhaka, Feb. 26 -- Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for a concerted effort to build a liberal democratic state, emphasising that politicising education, research, and the arts is never a hallmark of a civilised society.

Speaking at the Ekushey Padak award ceremony on Thursday, he said education, research, and the practice of arts and literature, alongside science and technology, must advance the nation.

"The government is working to establish a morally sound, liberal democratic system, guided by the wisdom of the country's intellectuals," he said at the Osmani Memorial Hall, where nine distinguished individuals and one music band were honoured.

Tarique noted that while politicians govern, scholars and eminent figures play a cruc...