Bobby stresses evidence-based narrative for inclusive BD
State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj has stressed the need to establish a right and positive narrative in society to build an inclusive and discrimination-free Bangladesh.
He called upon the youth to play a leading role in overcoming misconceptions surrounding politics, religion and gender and promoting an evidence-based perspective.
Bobby Hajjaj made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled “From Commitment to Implementation: 180 Days of Government in Protecting Women’s and Children’s Rights” organised by the Coalition for Advancing Equality and Justice at a hotel in Gulshan on Wednesday.
“It is extremely important to establish the right narrative in the future Bangladesh we want to build,” he said.
“The misconceptions surrounding gender, politics and religion must be reviewed and the correct picture must be presented in light of reality,” he added.
The state minister also called for recognising women’s multifaceted identities, saying they should not be viewed merely as daughters, mothers or wives.
Their multifaceted capabilities must instead be valued, he said.
Referring to the need for changes in social attitudes, Bobby Hajjaj said physical strength alone was not the determining factor in democratic politics, with competence, participation and public trust being the main factors.
On primary education, he said the government’s main goal was to ensure quality education for all children.
“Alongside government schools, private educational institutions and, gradually, madrasahs are also being brought under effective government monitoring,” he said.
He said special initiatives had been taken to ensure education in remote areas, with plans and work already underway considering school infrastructure in marginal areas, including haor regions, teacher accommodation facilities and special needs.
A pilot project is also underway to provide sanitary products to adolescent girls in primary schools and raise awareness about hygiene, he added.
Development worker Nishat Sultana chaired the programme.
Parliament Member Dr Shafiqul Islam Masud, Anna Minj and Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD) Executive Director Dr Nazneen Ahmed were present as special guests.
