DHAKA: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina asserted that the overall development of the country will come if education is ensured among the people in root-level.

“Nobody can be neglected in building a developed country,” She opined.

The premier made the comments at a ceremony of giving scholarships to the meritorious students from minor ethnic groups who live in plain land.

Prime Minister’s Trust of Educational Assistance organized the event at PMO in city on Sunday noon (January 3).

The PM said, “A nation cannot get rid of poverty without education. That’s why her incumbent Awami League (AL) government always puts emphasis on education whenever they assume power”.

She further said, “When AL formed government in 1996 the country’s literacy rate was 45%. Later, the AL government increased that number to 62.5%”.

“UNESCO awarded Bangladesh for this achievement.”

Mentioning that the overall development of a country depends on ensuring education for the people in the root level, Sheikh Hasina assured, “Therefore her government is working for everybody including the people of minor ethnic groups”.

“The country will advance by ensuring the basic needs for every individual.”

Referring that 80% of the Chittagong Hill Tracts (CHT) peace accord implementation, the PM said, “Residential schools will be built in the remote areas of CHT for educational development so that the children don’t need to walk a long to attend schools”.

She also suggested that suitable locations should be selected in constructing schools so that children of different areas can go to the place easily.

“Development is also needed for people who belong to minor ethnic groups of plain land. The ethnic communities who live in the country’s northern part and Sylhet region will also come under development program.”

“Development is essential for people of every profession to improve their life.”

In her speech, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina further said, “We gave recognition to the transgender people. Moreover, the Harijan castes are also in the scene. Bangladesh is for all. This country is for every religion. Everybody has their rights to practice their own religion. Our objective is to ensure improved life for every individual of every class of society; therefore we are focusing on everybody”.

“Community Clinics are providing health services. Education is available to every community. Without education no nation can get rid of poverty, that’s why we focus on education”.

Before delivering her speech, the Prime Minister handed over the Academic Scholarships to the meritorious students of different districts.

BDST: 1212/1856 HRS, JAN 03, 2016
AIK/RR/SMS