Staff Reporter
Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife and Vice-President of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation Dr Zubaida Rahman yesterday called for creating opportunities for every child to realize and showcase their immense potential, ensuring a safe childhood and a secure future for them.
“Every child has immense potential within them. They must be given the opportunity to express that talent. With renewed enthusiasm and new initiatives, In Sha Allah, you will succeed,” she said.
Dr Zubaida was addressing a discussion organized at Bangladesh Shishu Academy here marking Child-ren’s Rights Day 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the academy.
She said the Bangladesh Shishu Academy, established 50 years ago by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, has been working tirelessly over the past five decades, despite numerous obstacles, to help children build their future based on their potential.
“The Bangladesh Shishu Academy is an extraordinary institution where countless talents in painting, mu-sic, dance, recitation and literature have flourished,” she said.
Zubaida said the academy, on the occasion of its golden jubilee, would reach children in every corner of the country through modern technology under a new initiative and continue to serve as a reliable platform for nurturing children’s dreams.
Addressing the children, she said, “Dear little friends, breaking through all obstacles, you will blossom and embrace the rays of fulfillment of your hopes and aspirations.”
She also called for ensuring a safe childhood and a secured future for every child. “Let every childhood be safe. Let the future of every child be secure. This is our wish,” she said.
Zubaida also recalled the contribution of BNP Chairperson and former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia to establishing children’s rights, saying the nation would remember her contribution forever.
She said Khaleda Zia, as the country’s first woman prime minister, expanded compulsory and free prima-ry education as well as free education opportunities for girls.
Women and Children Affairs Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain chaired the discussion.
Earlier, 150 children welcomed Prime Minister Tarique Rahman and Dr Zubaida Rahman as they arrived at Bangladesh Shishu Academy. The programme began with the national anthem.
Following the discussion, the prime minister and his wife enjoyed a cultural programme performed by children and visited an exhibition of children’s drawings and a photo gallery.
