President M Abdul Hamid today urged all to work together to make the world a safe haven for children and help their inner potentialities flourish, irrespective of religion, caste and financial condition.

“Create a safe atmosphere for children with care, affection and love,” he said while addressing the award distribution ceremony of “National Children Award Competition 2020 and 2021″ at Osmani Smrity Auditorium in the capital.

The Head of State added: “Every child has a personality… Let them create an opportunity to express it in a proper manner.”

He called upon the government, different organizations, educational institutions and family members, including parents, to inspire the children for making contributions to building a ‘Sonar Bangla’ envisioned by Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.

Describing children as the future leaders of the nation, the President said they would bear the country’s responsibility in days to come and due to this, children must be groomed to be good citizens.

State Minister of Women and Children Affairs Fazilatunnesa Nesa Indira, MP, presided over the function. Chairman of Bangladesh Shishu Academy Lucky Enam and Secretary of Ministry of Women & Children Md Hasanuzzaman Kallol, among others, spoke on the occasion.

“The influence of literature and culture is immense to create a creative generation with talent. Apart from education, it is very urgent to facilitate the path of children’s mental growth by involving them in various extra-curricular activities, including arts, literature and sports,” the President observed.

He further called upon all concerned to come forward with a non-discriminatory attitude for the welfare of not only the children of well-off families but also the welfare of the underprivileged children of all levels.

Noting that Bangabandhu loved children very much, President Hamid said he used to mingle with children whenever he got time and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is also very sincere regarding the overall development of children.

“It is everyone’s responsibility to develop children as enlightened citizens . . . Children need the perfect atmosphere, care and inspiration to develop their talents,” the President added.

Abdul Hamid said talented children scattered all over the country should be found out and impart with proper training to become quality artistes, painters or athletes so that they can compete in the global competitions.

Referring to the various activities of the government, he said as a signatory state of the United Nations Charter on the children rights, Sheikh Hasina’s government is conducting multi-dimensional activities to ensure the overall rights of children.

“In the national action plan, children’s health-nutrition, education-science technology etc. are being prioritized . . . There are also various programmes and plans for the development of children with physical and mental disabilities,” the President said.

The President advised the guardians to provide proper education to children, including teachings on justice, difference between truth and falsehood, honesty, kindness, patriotism and love for life.

Hamid also put emphasis on providing moral education to children in the era of globalization and information technology (IT).

The President also emphasized on imparting moral education to children in the current era of globalization and information technology (IT).

He said, “Nowadays, children in every house have mobile phones, laptops and other sophisticated devices. As a result, they are addicted to mobile phones. They don’t go to the playground much, they don’t practice art and literature and they even don’t know nature and environment.”

The President requested parents to involve children in creative activities along with regular education by protecting children from harmful aspects of technology.

He advised the children to love the country and work for the welfare of the people of the country. “You will always strive to build a developed, prosperous, modern and smart Bangladesh by taking lessons from Bangabandhu’s philosophy of life, being imbued with patriotism,” he added.

Around 6.50 lakh children from all districts took part in the ‘National Children’s Award Competition-2020 and 2021’ in 30 categories. The aim of this event is to flourish the inner potentials of children and adolescents.

Among the participants, some 474 winner children received the award through this event. Of the awardees, the President handed over six for 2020 and six more for the year of 2021 at the function.

A video documentary on “the children’s development, their flourishing and safety” was screened at the function. A memorial book entitled “Alor Ful (flower of light)” was published on the occasion.