Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Wednesday sought cooperation of the countrymen to free the nation from militant acts and keep ongoing the country’s development, saying that the people want peace, not destruction.

'We want development and peace, not destruction and militant acts. We want Bangladesh be built with the spirit of the War of Liberation and it would advance as a peaceful nation in South Asia. We want Bangladesh and its people be installed on dignified position on the world stage.' she said.

The Prime Minister made the remark while handing over the Independence Award 2015, the highest state award, to seven eminent personalities in recognition of their glorious and outstanding contributions to their respective fields.

She formally handed over the awards at a function in Dhaka’s Osmany Memorial Auditorium.