‘No child in 90,000 villages should be left behind’

No child or teenager in any of Bangladesh’s 90,000 villages should be left behind through neglect, renowned cardiologist and Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) Vice President Dr Zubaida Rahman said on Tuesday.

“Every child’s life is full of countless, sky-high possibilities. No child or teenager in any of the 90,000 villages should fall behind due to neglect,” she said.

She made the remarks during a programme held at Blue Sky BAF School for Special Children during her visit there at noon.

Zubaida said every child needed a proper education system, arrangements for mental and physical wellbeing, and opportunities to play and spend time in nature and open green spaces.

“They also need assurance of treatment for any illness. We all have to create these opportunities,” she said.

She said no child or teenager in any of the country’s 64 districts, 500 upazilas, 4,599 unions and 90,000 villages should be deprived of opportunities because of neglect.

“Just as every child is extremely dear to their parents and family, every child is also a beloved and valuable member of society and the state,” she said.

Recalling her visit to the school, Zubaida said it reminded her that there should be no limit to a child’s aspirations.

“Visiting Blue Sky School today reminds me of one thing, when it comes to any aspiration, the open sky is the ultimate limit. Sky is the limit,” she said.

She urged children and teenagers to move forward with high aspirations and confidence, saying today’s children would become the people who build the country in the future.

“Children are the future of the nation,” she said.

Zubaida said the Shishu Academy was established to help children develop their abilities, while girls were later provided with free education at higher levels.

She said children were also getting opportunities to showcase their talents through cultural and sports competitions such as the “Notun Kuri” programme.

“All of them have sky-high dreams. They want to spread their wings under the blue sky and fly. You have to move forward with sky-high determination. Your parents are there, and everyone is with you,” she said.

Referring to a cultural programme at the school, Zubaida praised the children for demonstrating their abilities after receiving proper training.

“I thank my dear children and teenage friends