Make society free from corruption
She made the remark while addressing a grand reception, accorded to students who have achieved GPA-5 in the HSC examination, at Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city.
Hasina urged the students to go ahead with a firm pledge so that the society could be free from corruption, terrorism and other maladies.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star's Google News channel. "If the students like you come forward, society will be freed from such anarchic situation," she said.
Bangladesh Chhatra League, the student wing of the AL, organised the reception, chaired by its President Liakot Sikder.
The opposition leader also asked the students to stand by the poor people and serve them.
Congratulating the students and guardians as well as teachers for the outstanding results, she told the students: "Now you have to build on this success."
Hasina also advised them to love the country, countrymen and humanity and abhor terrorism and corruption.
Alleging that the glorious history of the liberation war has been distorted, she asked the students to know about the true history and disseminate it.
"You must read more. It is the only way to reduce poverty," she said.
Sabrina Akter and Sakapi Ibne Sajjad also spoke at the function on behalf of students.
Former DU vice-chancellor AK Azad Chowdhury, former vice-chancellor of Khulna University Nazrul Islam, DUTA President AAMS Arefin Siddique, IT specialist Mostafa Jabbar, Bangabandhu Chikitsak Parishad Secretary General Dr Iqbal Arsalan, Professor Imtiaz Ahmed, cricketer Mohammad Ashraful and Chhatra League General Secretary Nazrul Islam Babu also spoke.
Hasina also distributed medals and crests among the meritorious students.
She announced that she would take the responsibility of a GPA-5 achiever, Shamim Hossain, to support him financially in pursuing his higher studies.
The programme ended with a cultural function.