BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today spoke at the Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the academy's Natyashala auditorium. Photo: BSS

DHAKA, Aug 25, 2026 (BSS) - BNP Acting Secretary General and Prime Minister's Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi today said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman took various initiatives for the mental and physical development of children, recognizing that the country could not progress without nurturing its younger generation.

"Transforming from a politician into a statesman is a difficult task. A statesman is one who keeps all sections of society within his vision, understands who is moving ahead and who is lagging behind, and takes appropriate steps accordingly," he said.

Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at a cultural programme titled 'Ami Hobo Shokal Belar Paki', featuring child and adolescent artists, organized jointly by the Ministry of Culture and Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy at the academy's Natyashala auditorium this evening as part of the 'Nazrul Year' celebrations.

Referring to Ziaur Rahman's role in the Liberation War, Rizvi said Ziaur Rahman inspired people in the struggle for independence and motivated them towards freedom through his declaration of independence.

He said Ziaur Rahman, after assuming state power following November 7, realized that national progress was impossible unless children were properly nurtured and their mental development ensured.

"Within a short time of assuming power, he took various initiatives for the mental and physical development of children," Rizvi said.

He recalled that when Bangladesh had only one television channel, Bangladesh Television (BTV), Ziaur Rahman introduced a children's programme that gained immense popularity across the country. 

Through competitions in singing, music, acting and painting, the programme provided children with opportunities to develop their talents.

The programme, 'Notun Kuri,' later helped produce many renowned actors and actresses, he added.

Rizvi said a statesman must understand the needs and aspirations of children and ensure state support for their proper development.

"The primary period for building a person is childhood and adolescence. A politician who does not focus on building children and adolescents may be a politician, even a cheap kind of politician, but cannot be a statesman," he said.

Referring to National Poet Kazi Nazrul Islam's contribution to children's literature, Rizvi said a poet must be child-friendly to understand the minds of children. Nazrul wrote numerous poems, rhymes and songs for children, he added.

Rizvi also expressed concern over the growing impact of drugs and crime on society. Referring to a recent incident in Rangpur in which a drug addict allegedly killed a government schoolteacher and four members of his family, he said such incidents reflected the devastating consequences of drug addiction and the criminal mentality it creates.

He called for greater practice of Nazrul's works to build a drug- and crime-free society, urging children to read and practice the poet's poems, stories and songs written for them.

"This year is Nazrul Year. Nazrul must be remembered every moment and his songs must be sung," Rizvi said, adding that Nazrul's works purify the human mind, inspire people to protest injustice and provide pure joy.

He said Nazrul's poems and songs for children could inspire them to become enthusiastic, creative and proactive individuals.

Rizvi said Nazrul's writings continue to inspire people to resist injustice and oppression, while his love songs, devotional songs and works aimed at enlightening children offer people joy and inspiration.

Secretary of the Ministry of Culture Kaniz Mowla presided over the programme, while Bangladesh Shilpakala Academy Director General Rezauddin Stalin delivered the welcome speech.