The practice of social and religious values must be increased from the school level, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman said. He said special emphasis had been placed on nationwide sports, cultural activities and innovation competitions to protect the country’s youth and future generations from the grip of drugs.
He made the remarks on Tuesday at an exchange-of-views meeting with journalists at the China-Bangladesh Friendship Conference Center. The Prime Minister said: “One of the biggest problems facing our young generation now is drugs. Though it exists to varying degrees worldwide, its prevalence here is alarming. But the question is, how many can we arrest, how many can we treat or counsel? We have limits on our capacity and resources. So we must find an alternative path to solve this problem.”
Stressing the proper development of the future generation, the Prime Minister said young people aged 15 to 25 have immense physical and mental energy that must be given an outlet in positive directions. Sports and culture are among the chief means of doing so, he said, yet there is now an acute shortage of playing fields in Dhaka and across the country.
Referring to various government steps to harness this energy, he said: “We have already launched the ‘Notun Kuri’ sports and cultural competition. About 22 lakh boys and girls from across the country took part in a recent education-sector event. Children from all families, regardless of political affiliation, joined it. Sadly, such a large event did not receive due importance in our country’s media.”
He also emphasized holding innovation fairs or science fairs at the district and divisional levels to develop young people’s talent in science and technology, not just sports. He said: “Apart from a few fixed days of the year, such as December 16 or February 21, why are cultural or debate competitions not held in educational institutions all year round? These practices must be kept running throughout the year to bring youth back to a healthy path.”
Urging an end to moral decline among the young and a restoration of social values, the Prime Minister said: “These days you see a living creature being beaten to death while 10 people record it on their phones. This is an abnormal mentality. We must increase the practice of social and religious values from the school level. The Information Ministry has been directed to run awareness campaigns on this.”
At the meeting, the Prime Minister also answered various questions from journalists on economic reforms, strengthening the rural economy, and the aims and objectives of the government’s proposed ‘Family Card’ and ‘Farmer’s Card.’
The Information Minister, senior government officials and senior journalists from various media outlets were present at the exchange-of-views meeting.
বাংলায় মূল প্রতিবেদন পড়ুন · Read the original Bengali report