Prime Minister Tarique Rahman addressed primary school teachers at a function in the city. Photo: PMO

DHAKA, July 15, 2026 (BSS) - Prime Minister Tarique Rahman today sought the cooperation of primary school teachers in raising children with humane values, saying children must be brought up as humane people to build a 'humane Bangladesh'.

"Humane citizens are needed to build the country. You are the ones who are responsible for developing those compassionate citizens. If children are grown up as humane individuals, a humane Bangladesh will be built," he said while addressing the primary school teachers at a function in the city. 

The Prime Minister handed over the Primary Education Medal-2026 at the function at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city.

Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon presided over the event, jointly organized by the Directorate of Primary Education and the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education.

Describing the primary school teachers as the architects of shaping children into good human beings, he said, "You should be careful so that no child grows up to be cruel towards people, animals or birds. They should not be cruel to anyone. So, it is your responsibility to raise children with compassion." 

At the beginning of the programme, a documentary was screened highlighting the current state of primary education and the contributions of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to the development of education. 

The Prime Minister said, "After coming to this programme today, it feels as I have entered a factory where everyone is an architect of building human beings."

Tarique Rahman said, "Your role in instilling morality and values among children is unparalleled. You are the ones who can spread family and social values among them."

"I know you have some limitations and some challenges. We will try to resolve those. However, we will arrange better training for you so that you can further spread the knowledge you acquire among your students," the premier added.

The Prime Minister also stressed the importance of sports alongside academic studies for children. 

Calling upon children to plant one tree every year during the monsoon, he said, "Every year during the rainy season, you should plant a tree. As the tree grows, you too will grow. The tree will become your friend. Sitting under it, you will find relief from fatigue and enjoy peace."

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, and PM's Adviser on Education and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin also spoke at the function.

Secretary to the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education Md Sakhawat Hossain delivered the welcome address. Children from different districts across the country attended the ceremony.

At the event, medals were presented to the best students selected through various stages of nationwide competitions, as well as to outstanding individuals and institutions for their special contributions to the education sector.

A debate competition was also held between two groups of young students on the motion whether mobile technology is an important aid to education. 

The programme later featured colourful cultural performances, including songs, recitations, dance and drama by children, which the prime minister enjoyed from the audience.

Addressing the school children, the Prime Minister said, "I have attended many events of children including today's programme. Many of your friends took part in sports competitions and performed brilliantly at the Army Stadium on June 20."

He continued, "A few days ago, an innovative event, something like a science fair, was also held here where thousands of children participated."

"Considering everything, it seems that we may indeed have to overcome some challenges. But, InShaAllah, we are gradually developing the architects needed to build Bangladesh as a beautiful country," he added. 

Tarique Rahman said, "Before forming the government, we presented our plan of building the education system, especially primary education. We have always said primary schools, its teachers and students- these three are extremely important in building a nation."

"We should stand by our teachers too. Their problems must be identified. If they receive proper training, students will be developed with a strong foundation from primary school and thus, we are giving importance to joyful learning," he said.

The Premier added, "At the Green School exhibition, I saw that they (School children) have already understood the concept of 'Learning with Happiness." 

A large number of teachers and students from 60 districts across the country participated in the Primary Education Medal-2026 award giving ceremony at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in the city.

Emphasising on expanding cultural and sports activities across the country, the Prime Minister said, "Education alone is not enough for building a nation on a strong foundation. Culture is equally important. 

"A nation's own culture and heritage evolve over hundreds or even thousands of years. Children should be informed about this... simultaneously, sports must be an integral part of their upbringing," he added.

Tarique Rahman said, "When we play or run around, our blood circulation naturally increases. We breathe more, and more oxygen enters our blood. When there is more oxygen, more blood reaches our brain. As a result, our brain becomes much more active."

"The more oxygen a child receives, the sharper his or her intelligence will become. Therefore, to make our children sharper, we must increase their participation in sports, cultural activities and similar programmes," he added.

Recalling the contribution of Begum Khaleda Zia in promoting girls' education, the Prime Minister said during her tenure she made education free for girls so that they could study without paying tuition fees.

Following the footsteps of Begum Khaleda Zia, he said, the present BNP government has decided to further expand educational opportunities for girls. 

"InShaAllah, we have decided to make girls' education free up to the honours level. Just as we provide stipends at the primary level, we will also award scholarships to girls who achieve good academic results in higher education," the premier added.

Stating that the government has decided to distribute uniforms among primary school students, he said the government will gradually provide new school uniforms to all primary school students across the country from grade-I to grade-V.
 
About midday meal, Tarique Rahman said the government is working to launch the midday meal programme for school children so that they can have better food, which will provide them with proper nutrition and energy.

As part of implementing election manifesto of the government, sports, cultural competitions, subject-based quizzes, cub scouting and debate competitions were organised for students from grade-III to grade-V to foster their talent and creativity.

The events were held from the upazila level to national level in phases, with the participation of 2,18,28,693 school students from across the country.

Medals and certificates were awarded to the winning students, while outstanding teachers received special honours at the programme.