Education must foster values, patriotism: Ctg DC

Education must instil humanity, patriotism and social responsibility alongside academic knowledge, Chattogram Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mian said on Friday.

“Knowledge gained from textbooks or academic degrees alone cannot make someone a complete human being,” he said while addressing a prize-giving ceremony for Bishwa Sahitya Kendra’s book-reading programme at the GEC Convention Centre in Chattogram city.

The daylong event was organised to honour students from the city who excelled in the programme.

“Books play a vital role in shaping individuals. They connect us with the past, help us understand the present, and enable us to plan for the future,” Zahidul said.

Education should open the “eyes of the mind” and teach people to respect elders, care for the young, and stand beside those in distress, he added.

Highlighting the increasingly competitive global landscape, the DC urged young people to develop the skills needed to keep pace with the changing world.

“Bangladesh’s large population is its greatest asset. The country will move forward if every individual can be transformed into skilled human capital,” he said.

Expressing concern over growing self-centredness, Zahidul said no individual could thrive in isolation while society and the country suffered. Academic qualifications would have little value unless the knowledge gained was used for public welfare, he added.

Referring to the sacrifices made for Bangladesh’s independence, the DC called upon the younger generation to help build a safe and humane country in keeping with the aspirations of the Liberation War.

He also stressed the responsible use of technology, describing it as an effective servant but a dangerous master.

“Technology can harm individuals and society if it is not used wisely. Alongside reading books, students must acquire technological knowledge and learn to use it safely and positively,” he said.

Bishwa Sahitya Kendra has been running its nationwide book-reading programme for secondary school students for 48 years. Around 1.5 lakh students from nearly 1,400 schools are currently enrolled in the programme.

In the 2025 academic year, around 13,000 students from 101 secondary schools in Chattogram city took part in the programme. Of them, 5,896 were awarded in two sessions yesterday.

Md Billal Hossain Khan, joint secretary at the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, representatives of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, teachers, guardians and students were present.