Photo: BSS

KHULNA, Nov 11, 2025 (BSS) - Information Affairs Secretary of the BNP Central Executive Committee and the party’s candidate for Khulna-4 constituency Azizul Bari Helal urged students to come out of the culture of private tuition and coaching and engage themselves in sports, creative pursuits, and moral development.

“You will remember your lessons better if you play more. True education lies in sports, character building, and moral values,” he said while addressing students at the Belfulia Islamia High School and Belfulia Government Primary School  this  afternoon as part of a campaign titled ‘One House, One Tree: Commitment to Greening.’

Recalling his school days, Helal said, “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. The shrinking of play spaces is harmful to children’s mental growth.”

Criticizing the current education system’s excessive pressure, he said, “Nowadays, students spend their afternoon at coaching centers or with private tutors. This turns them into machines. In our time, parents encouraged us to play in the afternoon. Without physical fitness, knowledge has little value.”

Urging students not to be obsessed with grades alone, Helal said, “When I was a student here, those who always came first or second didn’t necessarily succeed in life. Without a clear goal, success doesn’t come. To earn the respect of society and the nation, character, ethics, and hard work are the greatest assets.”

He also emphasized respecting teachers, saying, “Teachers are like parents. Those who disobey their teachers, no matter how educated they become, face a dark future.”

Helal advised students to read stories, novels, history, social science, religious texts, and biographies of great personalities to enrich their minds.

Later, Helal planted saplings of mango and lemon in the school compound with students, saying, “Inshallah, one day I will return to taste the fruits of these trees with you.” 

Later, he distributed chocolates among the students.