The Daily Star today awarded around 2,000 students who achieved outstanding results in O and A levels examinations in 2014 and 2015.

The 17th O and A Level Awards Presentation Ceremony was held at the Shaheed Suhrawardy National Indoor Stadium at Mirpur in the capital.

Addressing as the chief guest, Professor Muhammed Zafar Iqbal called on the young achievers to work for the progress of the country and serving the people.

"Remember, Bangladesh is your country. If you become big, Bangladesh will be big," he said to the students and several thousand guardians and teachers who were present there on the occasion.

Congratulating the students, The Daily Star Editor and Publisher Mahfuz Anam said while personal achievement is extremely important, it is half-done unless the country and its people are respected.

Iconic figures in Bangladesh – weightlifter Mabia Akter Simanta, swimmer Mahfuza Khatun Shila, Under-14 footballers Krishna Rani Sarkar and Marzia Akter, Under-19 cricketer Mehedi Hasan Miraz, and founder of Jaago Foundation Korvi Rakshand Dhrubo – attended the programme to inspire the young talents.

The Daily Star organised the programme with BRAC Bank and Independent University as the partners; IDP, EDEXCEL and The University of Nottingham as the associate partners; and Channel i as the broadcast partner.