Khulna: Information Affairs Secretary of the BNP Central Executive Committee and the party's candidate for Khulna-4 constituency, Azizul Bari Helal, has called on students to abandon the culture of private tuition and coaching. Helal emphasized the importance of engaging in sports, creative activities, and moral development as a pathway to true education.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Helal addressed students at Belfulia Islamia High School and Belfulia Government Primary School during a campaign titled 'One House, One Tree: Commitment to Greening.' He encouraged students by stating, "You will remember your lessons better if you play more. True education lies in sports, character building, and moral values."
Reflecting on his own school experiences, Helal lamented the loss of play spaces, which he deemed crucial for children's mental growth. "We used to play on this very field and take part in annual sports events. During tiffin breaks, we played until lunch. Sadly, that playground no longer exists," he remarked.
Helal criticized the current education system for imposing excessive pressure on students. He expressed concern that students are turning into "machines" due to spending afternoons at coaching centers or with private tutors. He recalled, "In our time, parents encouraged us to play in the afternoon. Without physical fitness, knowledge has little value."
Helal urged students not to focus solely on grades, sharing that those who frequently excelled academically during his school days did not always succeed in life. He emphasized the importance of having a clear goal and highlighted character, ethics, and hard work as essential assets for earning societal and national respect.
Furthermore, Helal stressed the significance of respecting teachers, equating them to parents. He warned that disobedience towards teachers could lead to a bleak future, regardless of one's educational achievements.
He also advised students to read a variety of literature, such as stories, novels, history, social science, religious texts, and biographies to enrich their minds. In a symbolic gesture, Helal planted mango and lemon saplings in the school compound alongside students, expressing hope to return one day to enjoy the fruits with them. He concluded the event by distributing chocolates to the students.