Ziaur Rahman Foundation Vice-President and eminent physician Dr Zubaida Rahman today stressed the need for creating a supportive environment where children can develop their talents and realise their full potential through quality education, healthcare, sports and opportunities to engage with nature.
“Every child’s life is filled with countless dreams and aspirations. What we need is a sound education system, arrangements for their mental and physical wellbeing, opportunities to play and move freely amid greenery and nature, and assurance of treatment for any illness,” she said.
Zubaida Rahman, also wife of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, was speaking as the chief guest at a cultural programme after visiting ‘Blue Sky’, a school for children with special needs run by Bangladesh Air Force, at Agargaon in the capital this afternoon.
Dr Zubaida said children are the future of the nation and expressed hope that they would move forward with high aspirations and immense potential.
“Coming here, one thought comes to my mind—that the open sky is the ultimate limit for any aspiration. So, children and adolescents will move forward with sky-high aspirations and potential as they are the great soldiers who will build tomorrow’s Bangladesh. Children are the future of the nation,” she said.
Highlighting the importance of initiatives aimed at nurturing children’s talents, she said Bangladesh Shishu Academy was established for the development of children, while opportunities were subsequently created for girls to pursue higher education free of cost.
She said children are getting opportunities to demonstrate their excellence through cultural and sports competitions like ‘Notun Kuri’.
Referring to the need for ensuring equal opportunities for children across the country, Zubaida said no child should be left behind because of neglect.
She called for ensuring that children in all 64 districts, all upazilas, unions and villages receive proper education, healthcare, opportunities for recreation and a healthy environment.
Praising the children’s cultural performances, she said children can demonstrate their immense talents if they receive proper training and guidance.
“Achieving success collectively and developing a sporting spirit will later give them the strength and confidence to become good citizens of the country,” she said.
Describing children as valuable assets of society and the state, Zubaida Rahman urged them to pursue their dreams with strong determination.
“Today you have proved that you can achieve something meaningful by working together. This is also extremely important in sports. This learning will later give you the courage and strength to become good citizens. You will shine like stars and illuminate the face of Bangladesh,” she said.
Highlighting the role of Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association (BAFWWA) in women’s empowerment and skills development, Zubaida said the organisation’s training and handicraft initiatives were highly commendable and innovative in contributing to the development of the country’s women.
She said women account for 51 percent of the country’s population and appreciated BAFWWA for undertaking such initiatives to empower them.
She also thanked the students of Golden Eagle School and wished them success in reaching the pinnacle of their potential.
Earlier, Dr Zubaida Rahman visited Blue Sky School and enjoyed a cultural programme organised with the participation of children with special needs and students of BAFWWA Golden Eagle Nursery.
The children with special needs performed songs, dances and a fashion show, among other performances.
She highly appreciated BAFWWA’s humanitarian initiatives in providing education and therapy facilities to children with special needs and helping women become self-reliant.
Later, the young students of Blue Sky School joined Zubaida Rahman in a photo session with the chief guest.
On behalf of BAFWWA and Others Women and Children Club (OWCC), Zubaida Rahman was presented with a greeting memento and a special gift—a portrait of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.
A video documentary highlighting the activities of BAFWWA programmes and Blue Sky School was also screened at the programme.
BAFWWA and OWCC President Saleha Khan delivered the welcome address, while Blue Sky School Principal Group Captain Mohammad Nur Ullah also spoke.
Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), vice presidents of the BAFWWA Central Committee, representatives of BAFWWA’s AK Khandker and Bashar branches, and senior Bangladesh Air Force officials attended the programme.
