Tungipara: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Sunday said her government has been working to ensure a bright future for the country’s children.

‘We’ll build Bangladesh as a developed and prosperous country so that today’s children can get a decent life in the coming days. We’ve been working to accomplish this goal,’ she said.

The Prime Minister said this while addressing a Children’s Rally and Cultural Programme marking the 99th birth anniversary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and National Children’s Day on Bangabandhu Mausoleum Complex premises here, reports the UNB.

She said Bangladesh has already achieved much progress and will march forward.

‘No one will face hunger. No one will suffer for lack of medical treatment. Everyone will be able to lead a better life. This is our goal,’ she said.

Highlighting various measures taken by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman for the welfare of the country’s children, Hasina said Bangabandhu had made the primary education free for students, while made the secondary education free for girls.

With a view to protecting the rights of children, Bangabandhu enacted the children law in 1974, even much before 1989 when the United Nations took such an initiative, she recalled.

The Ministry of Women and Children Affairs and Gopalganj district administration jointly organised the rally of schoolchildren from different educational institutions of Tungipara, the birthplace of Bangabandhu.

The Prime Minister said this is unfortunate that the children and youths could not know the correct history of the Liberation War after the killing of the Father of the Nation in 1975 as it was distorted. ‘But, the truth can never be hushed up with lies. This has been proved today with the disclosure of truth.

Mentioning that the playing of the historic 7th March Speech of the Father of the Nation was prohibited for long 21 years after 1975, Hasina said many Awami League leaders and activists lost their lives and got injured for trying to play the record of the speech at that time. Now the truth prevails due to their dedication, she added.

The Prime Minister said the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco) recognised Bangabandhu’s historic 7th March Speech as a world documentary heritage.

It is the best motivational speech among the speeches delivered in the last 2500 years, said Sheikh Hasina, the eldest daughter of Bangabandhu.

She said her government formulated the National Children Policy in 2011. The government has also taken measures to protect the children’s rights and given special attention so that children can get the scopes for education, sports, physical and cultural exercises, Hasina said.

This year’s theme of the day is ‘Bangabandhur Janmodin Shishur Jibon Koro Rangin’ (Birthday of Bangabandhu, Make the Lives of Children Colourful).

Chairman of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Selina Hossain spoke at the event as a special guest with Lamia Sikder, a Class-V student of Malika Academy, Gopalganj in the chair.

Arafat Hossain, a Class-IV student of SM Government Model Primary School, Gopalganj, delivered the welcome speech, while Suriya Yeasmin, a Class-X student of Keshabpur Pilot School and College, Jashore, read out the best letter written to Bangabandhu.

The Prime Minister unveiled the cover of a book compiled with letters written to Bangabandhu.

She received a replica of logo of Gopalganj district branding from Deputy Commissioner of the district Mokhlesur Rahman Sarkar.

A video titled ‘Amader Kotha Shuno’ was screened on the occasion.

The Prime Minister opened a book fair and visited a painting exhibition of children titled ‘Bangabandhu and Bangladesh’.

Hasina distributed prizes among the children who participated in literary and cultural competitions organised by Gopalganj district administration marking the National Children’s Day.

She also handed over sewing machines to two insolvent women of Tungipara and Kotalipara upazila of Gopalganj district.

The Prime Minister enjoyed a culture programme titled ‘Muktir Dut Sheikh Mujib’ there.

Cabinet members, cabinet secretary, the chiefs of three services, senior leaders of the Awami League, government officials, teachers of different educational institutions attended the function.