Students should develop themselves as capable citizens: Tuku

TANGAIL, Sept 19: State Minister for Fisheries and Livestock Sultan Salahuddin Tuku has said students need to develop themselves as capable citizens by combining knowledge, skills, human values and patriotism, rather than focusing solely on academic results.

“The meritorious students of today will lead the country and society in the future,” he said while speaking at a reception for meritorious students at Bindubashini Government Boys' High School in Tangail town on Friday morning.

The reception, organised at the state minister's initiative, honoured students who secured GPA-5 in the 2026 SSC and equivalent examinations.

Tuku said he had arranged the reception for GPA-5 achievers of Tangail Sadar for the second consecutive year and would continue the initiative in the future.

“Recognition of meritorious students will inspire others to achieve success. Everyone should dream big, remain focused on their goals and work hard to fulfil those dreams,” he said.

He urged students to stay away from drugs, terrorism and teenage gangs, saying drug abuse was one of the major challenges facing society.

“The future generation must play a role in building a peaceful, safe society free from drugs, terrorism and teenage gangs,” he said.
Asked by journalists about the 11-Party Alliance's long march, Tuku said everyone had the right to hold programmes in a democratic country.

“People will judge whether holding such a programme is appropriate,” he said.

The 11-Party Alliance, led by Jamaat-e-Islami, has been organising long marches over a range of demands, including implementation of the referendum verdict and reductions in fuel, gas and electricity prices.

Responding to another question, Tuku said the government was working to restore the country's oil and gas sector after what he described as serious deterioration during the previous government.

He said criticism of the government's performance was legitimate if there were shortcomings, adding that efforts were being made to restore the sector.

At the programme, 850 GPA-5 achievers received certificates and crests from the state minister. They were also given college bags, key rings and other gifts.

Online teacher and founder of Fahad's Tutorial Mohammad Fahad Hossain gave the students guidance on academic preparation, goal-setting and careers.

Meftaul Alam Siam, who secured first place in the BUET admission test, and Jahangir Alam Shanto, who secured first place in the medical admission test, shared their experiences and advice on career planning.

Professor Dr J Ali, head of the Department of Business Administration at Presidency University, delivered the welcome address.

Tangail Superintendent of Police Md Shamsul Alam Sarker, former district BNP member secretary Mahmudul Haque Sanu, Additional Superintendent of Police HM Mahbub Rizu-an Siddiqui, government officials, teachers, guardians, local dignitaries and journalists attended the programme.

The event concluded with a raffle draw.