DHAKA : State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has stressed establishing the right and positive narrative in society to build an inclusive and discrimination-free Bangladesh.
He called upon the youth to play a leading role in overcoming misconceptions on various issues, including politics, religion and gender and establishing an evidence-based perspective.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “From Commitment to Implementation: 180 Days of Government in Protecting Women’s and Children’s Rights,” organised by the Coalition for Advancing Equality and Justice at a hotel in Gulshan in the capital today.
The state minister said, “It is extremely important to establish the right narrative in the future Bangladesh we want to build."
"The misconceptions surrounding gender, politics and religion must be reviewed and the correct picture must be presented in light of reality,” he added.
Calling for recognition of women’s multifaceted identities, Bobby Hajjaj said women should not be viewed merely as daughters, mothers or wives; rather, their multifaceted capabilities must be valued.
Referring to the need for a change in social attitudes, he said not only physical strength, but competence, participation and public trust are the main factors in democratic politics.
Outlining the government’s plans to improve the overall quality of primary education, the state minister said, “The government’s main goal is to ensure quality education for all children.
Alongside government schools, private educational institutions and, gradually, madrasahs are also being brought under effective government monitoring,” he said.
Informing about special initiatives to ensure education in remote areas, he said plans and work have already begun, taking into consideration the infrastructure of schools in marginal areas, including haor regions, accommodation facilities for teachers and special needs.
He also said a pilot project is underway to provide sanitary products to adolescent girls in primary schools and raise awareness about hygiene.
Development worker Nishat Sultana chaired the programme. Parliament Member Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud and Anna Minj and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Executive Director Dr Nazneen Ahmed were present as special guests.
