Say no to drugs, terrorism, militancy, PM asks children

TUNGIPARA, Mar 17 (UNB): Prime Minister (PM) Sheikh Hasina has urged the children to adopt the philosophy and ideals of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and say no to drugs, terrorism and militancy.

"Terrorism, militancy and drugs destroy one's life; you've to say no to drugs, terrorism and militancy," she said on Monday while addressing a children's gathering and cultural programme, marking Bangabandhu's 94th birth anniversary, at the Bangabandhu Mazar Complex here.

The PM asked the children to concentrate on their studies, sports and cultural activities to groom themselves as worthy citizens of the country and take preparations to compete in the world arena.

Mentioning her resolve to give the children a better place for their future life, she said: "We want to develop the country in such a way where the children will get a secure life. We want the nation to be kept away from drugs, terrorism and militancy. Our drive against these evils is going on and will continue."

Hasina said she does not want to see any children die like her younger brother Sheikh Russell who had been killed on August 15, 1975. "Our aim is to provide a secured and beautiful life to all children and we are working hard towards that end."

She said that her government is working to make Bangladesh as a peaceful country in the world.

"Bangladesh will be developed and prosperous. No children of the country will spend their days and nights without meal. No children will remain illiterate; each of the children will have education and grow up as the worthy citizen of the country".

The PM mentioned that after assuming office, her government took steps to provide free textbooks for all children across the country each year up to SSC level. "This year, we distributed 30 crore (300 million) books on the very first day of the year defying hartal and blockade," she said.

She also said that the government is going to introduce the pre-school system in the country widely and will prepare separate textbooks for those schools. "We've started the system in some areas and distributed books there."

Hasina said that the government is giving scholarships to 78,70,129 students at the primary level and 4.0 million students at the secondary level.

The PM distributed prizes among the children who secured positions in literature and cultural competitions. Winners of different categories received a crest and a certificate each from the premier.