BAGERHAT, June 28: State Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Lion Shaikh Faridul Islam has urged students to utilise their knowledge, skills and creativity for the country's development, saying a skilled workforce will be the greatest strength in building a new Bangladesh.
He made the remarks while distributing one-time scholarships among 418 meritorious students at a programme organised by the Bagerhat Zila Parishad at its auditorium in the district town on Saturday.
The scholarships were awarded to students who excelled in the 2025 SSC and equivalent and HSC and equivalent examinations, as well as those who secured admission to public universities, medical colleges and engineering universities across the country.
The programme was chaired by Bagerhat Zila Parishad Administrator and BNP leader Barrister Shaikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain. Former secretary Dr Md Faridul Islam attended it as the special guest.
A total of Tk 27.28 lakh was distributed among the recipients. Of the beneficiaries, 55 students admitted to public universities, medical colleges and engineering universities received Tk 10,000 each, while 363 students who achieved outstanding results in the SSC and HSC examinations received Tk 6,000 each.
Addressing the students, the state minister said many talented students from Bangladesh's coastal areas are unable to pursue higher education because of various challenges.
"I am also a son of the coastal region. During my school days, I had to swim across five canals to attend school. So I know the value of struggle," he said, adding that the students' achievements reflected their hard work, perseverance and the sacrifices made by their families.
He also stressed the importance of nurturing moral values, patriotism and social responsibility alongside higher education. He urged the students to stay away from drugs, corruption and social degradation and develop themselves into responsible citizens.
During the programme, the Zila Parishad presented a commemorative crest to the state minister, which was handed over by Barrister Shaikh Mohammad Zakir Hossain.
Among others present were Additional Deputy Commissioner (Revenue) Anup Kumar Das, Bagerhat District BNP Convener Engineer ATM Akram Hossain Talim, Government Prafulla Chandra College Principal Md Jahangir Ali, Khan Jahan Ali Degree College Principal Khandaker Asif Uddin Raki, and local dignitaries.
Earlier in the day, the state minister inaugurated a tree plantation programme on the campus of Government Prafulla Chandra College, attended by teachers, students and local BNP leaders.
