Kalihati: State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku emphasized that the government is giving the highest priority to improving the quality of education. He shared these remarks while addressing journalists after inaugurating the Mid-Day Meal programme and attending a guardians' meeting at Ichapur Sher-e-Bangla High School.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Tuku underscored the importance of co-curricular activities alongside academic studies to prepare students for diverse career opportunities. He described the Mid-Day Meal initiative as a timely step that would play a crucial role in ensuring students' nutrition, increasing school attendance, and enhancing the overall learning environment.
The State Minister stressed the need for educational improvement to begin at the primary level. He recalled that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia had introduced free education for female students up to Class XII, which was later extended to the degree level in public institutions. Tuku highlighted the current government's introduction of various scholarship programs, emphasizing that educational reforms must start at the fundamental level and progressively expand.
Focusing on nutrition, Tuku mentioned that plans are in place to ensure schoolchildren receive protein-rich meals, with necessary measures being implemented. He also addressed the government's anti-drug campaign, asserting that narcotics would not be allowed to spread in Tangail. He called for collective action against drug abuse, emphasizing the need for families, educational institutions, and society to build awareness and resist the menace.
The event was chaired by journalist Abdul Razzak, president of the school's adhoc committee. Other speakers included local Member of Parliament Lutfur Rahman Motin, Kalihati Upazila Nirbahi Officer Farzana Akter, and the school's headmaster Abdul Mannan Molla. Following the event, guests toured the school's multimedia classroom, inspected the Mid-Day Meal programme, and observed meal distribution among students. The gathering was attended by local public representatives, political leaders, government officials, teachers, students, guardians, and community members.