DHAKA, March 14, 2023 (BSS) - President M Abdul Hamid today asked the students not to deviate from principles and ideals at any cost as he exchanged views with the students at Bangabhaban's Cabinet Hall this evening. 
 
 "Study regularly and prepare yourselves as worthy citizens . . . Never deviate from principles and ideals anyway", the President told 45 college students of the capital, who earlier secured meritorious results in the SSC and equivalent examinations in 2022.
 
The Head of State added, "You must love this country. You have to love the arts and culture of this country. You must study attentively to know the actual history of Bangladesh and its 1971 Liberation War. 
 
President Hamid invited the students at Bangabhaban for the first time. Earlier in the afternoon, they visited different historic sites inside the Presidential palace including, air shed and toshakhana museum. 
 
Congratulating the meritorious students, the President said, "You must study well . . . whatever you do, do well and try to take the country forward."

President Hamid answered students' various queries, including, the relationship of him with Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Hamid highly appreciated the students' interest in knowing the history of the country's Independence, Bangabandhu and Liberation War.
 
"If you read the various books on the Liberation War and War Tactics, you will be able to know in details," the President advised the students.
 
Recalling the contribution of the country's freedom fighters and Bangabandhu, the President said those who made their supreme sacrifices for the country are no more today, but we are enjoying its results. And they must be remembered. 
 
Responding to a question about vocational education, the President said the incumbent government led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is giving great importance to vocational education. 
 
The President further gave directives to all concerned to give more importance to vocational education. 
 
On the question of a student whether Bangladesh has any plan to have a space centre, he said, "We started from 'Zero' under the leadership of Bangabandhu. Now you have to dream more."
 
"You will pick up the country where we left off," the President expressed the hope. 
 
Education Minister Dr. Dipu Moni, MP, President's Secretary Sampad Barua, Military Secretary Major General Salah Uddin Islam, Secondary and Higher Education Division Secretary Suleman Khan and students representatives Mahbubur Rahman and Najiba Zakia Hossain Rodela also spoke there. 
 
President's Press Secretary Md Joynal Abedin, Secretary (Attachment) Md Wahidul Islam Khan and senior military and military officials were present there.