“An Inequality-Free Education System Will Be Built”: Shama Obaid

Foreign Affairs State Minister Shama Obaid Islam has pledged to build an inequality-free education system that ensures quality education for children from poor and disadvantaged families.

She made the remarks on Sunday (August 16) at a programme held at the District Council Auditorium in Saltha Upazila, Faridpur, where school uniforms, eco-friendly jute schoolbags and shoes were distributed among students.

Shama Obaid Islam said the country had failed to achieve the desired progress in education over the past 17 years, claiming that the education sector had instead suffered significant setbacks. She said ensuring access to quality education for children from economically disadvantaged families would be a priority.

“Providing access to schools alone is not enough to build an educated, skilled and humane future generation. Students must also receive the educational materials they need,” she said.

She added that the government would take effective measures to encourage school attendance, reduce dropout rates and improve the overall learning environment. No child should be prevented from attending school because of financial hardship, she said.

Speaking about the distribution of jute schoolbags, Shama Obaid said jute is an important part of Bangladesh’s heritage and has significant economic potential.

She said using jute-made schoolbags would not only provide essential supplies to students but also encourage the use of locally produced jute goods. The initiative, she added, could contribute to the development of Bangladesh’s jute industry while promoting environmentally friendly products.

The state minister also emphasized the importance of ensuring that the benefits of national development reach ordinary people. She called for greater attention to education, healthcare, employment and social security to build a more prosperous and equitable Bangladesh.

She further said politics should focus on public welfare and respect the votes and support of citizens. National interests, she added, should be prioritized above political divisions.

At the programme, 315 students from eight primary schools in Saltha Upazila received free school uniforms, eco-friendly jute schoolbags and shoes.

The distribution created a festive atmosphere among the students, with teachers, parents and local community members welcoming the initiative.

Shama Obaid said the Bangladesh of the future should be based on education, technology, skills and humanitarian values. She stressed that providing quality education and necessary opportunities to children would be essential to creating a skilled, responsible and socially conscious generation.

The programme was chaired by Saltha Upazila Nirbahi Officer Dabir Uddin.

Among those present were Senior Assistant Superintendent of Police of Nagarkanda-Saltha Circle Muhammad Al Fahad, Saltha Police Station Officer-in-Charge Md. Babulur Rahman Khan, Saltha Upazila Secondary Education Officer Bin Kumar Chakki, Saltha Upazila Education Officer Md. Tashem Uddin, former Saltha Upazila BNP president Siddiqur Rahman Talukder, and leaders and activists of BNP and its affiliated organizations.