Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today said the students are the guardians of the state, asking them to play their responsible role in keeping the country on the right track. "You (students) are the guardians of the country and it is because of you. Don't forget this role. Don't forget your own role. Many are here and many are not. But, those who are not are here also the guardians of the state," he told the students while exchanging views with a delegation of the anti-discrimination student movement. The meeting was held at the State Guest House Jamuna here tonight. According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Prof Yunus emphasized that it is the student's responsibility to ensure that the state is running on the right path. "If you remember this, the country will remain on the right track. Don't forget your guardianship," he said. Noting that the country's people trust in the students, the chief adviser added, "Do not get frustrated. You have made the impossible possible. You have changed the cou ntry. You are the only ones who can." Prof Yunus urged the students to fulfill the aspirations of the people, stating, "At least you have to move forward on that path. You have already achieved one victory, another victory will come. You should repeatedly remind us so that we remain alert and vigilant too," he added. During the meeting, the students asked the chief adviser to take steps to check the price of essential commodities, confer state honour upon the martyrs in the movement, give top priority to proper treatment to the injured people, and ensure optimum punishment for those involved in the July massacre. The students also expressed concern over the propaganda being spread against the government in the media and social media. Welcoming the students' suggestions regarding price control of essentials, Prof Yunus stated that the prices of commodities must be fixed, while a few people who are controlling the market price will not be tolerated. He mentioned that the government is trying to keep the pric es of commodities stable and the highest efforts must be taken to keep prices stable during the holy month of Ramadan as well. In response to the students' suggestion to strengthen local government, Prof Yunus mentioned that there is a commission for local government reform which will provide suggestions and the government will implement those. On the suggestion of state honours to martyrs, he assured, "We are working on this. We will not forget the contribution of those who were martyred in July. They will be given proper state honour." Addressing the students' suggestions on educational reforms, the chief adviser highlighted that the education system has been completely destroyed deliberately so that none in Bangladesh can become educated or skilled. "Unemployment has been created. There is no hope for entrepreneurs. We have to repair it. We have to develop the youth as skilled ones," he added. Prof Yunus noted that women students in the university now comprise about 52 percent, which is a matter of great joy. He stressed that the educational atmosphere cannot be allowed to deteriorate and the previous system of seats being distributed within political circles has been broken. During the meeting, the students expressed their full confidence and support for the interim government and assured the chief adviser of providing all-out cooperation in its reform works. They emphasized that the country's people are with the government as it is their government, and they want the interim government to accomplish the necessary reform works.
