‘Women’s empowerment, well-educated vital to viable economy’
Barrister Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin MP, State Minister for Land and Chittagong Hill Tracts Affairs, has emphasized the active participation of women to ensure the country’s overall economic progress and sustainable development.
He noted that women constitute nearly half of the country’s population.
Achieving sustainable economic prosperity is impossible without their inclusion. Therefore, the need of the hour is not merely to enlighten women through education but also to make them self-reliant by creating employment opportunities and fostering entrepreneurship.
The State Minister made these remarks on Friday while addressing a gathering of guardians and a celebration of the holy Eid-e-Miladunnabi (PBUH) held at the Hathazari Girls’ School and College premises.
He emphasized that the current elected government is committed to the socio-economic development of marginalized communities, particularly women. To this end, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has introduced the ‘Family Card’ program, with Hathazari included as a pilot project site.
This initiative will play a groundbreaking role in ensuring women’s self-employment and economic independence.
Regarding the mental and moral development of children, the State Minister observed that a child spends the majority of their day with their family.
Therefore, instead of relying solely on schools or teachers, guardians must exercise vigilant oversight regarding their children’s studies, choice of friends, and how they spend their time.
Excessive addiction to social media platforms like Facebook and TikTok, in particular, has a negative impact on students’ futures. While technology aids in acquiring knowledge, guardians must remain alert to prevent its misuse. He urged parents to encourage their children to read general books instead of focusing solely on technology.
Advising parents to build friendly relationships with their children rather than imposing things upon them, the State Minister stressed the importance of families keeping track of where their children go and whom they associate with after sunset.
Furthermore, he expressed a firm resolve to make Hathazari completely free from drugs, terrorism, and extortion. He stated that it is not possible for the administration alone to eradicate crime from society; the participation of the general public is essential for this purpose.
‘Anti-crime and anti-drug committees’ will be formed in every union of Hathazari and every ward of the municipality, comprising local civil society members, political and social leaders, journalists, and other prominent figures. Based on information received, these committees will take effective legal action with the assistance of the administration.
Outlining a roadmap for the area’s development, he stated that priority would be given to the development of Hathazari’s underprivileged and marginalized regions.
Projects that have long been neglected-even if they benefit only a small number of people-will be implemented expeditiously.
As a public representative, he emphasized that he does not belong to any specific class or political party; rather, he represents all the people of Hathazari and Bayezid and is committed to working towards the betterment of everyone’s rights and standard of living.
Presided over by Nausheen Arzan Helal, President of the Ad-hoc Committee of Hathazari Girls’ High School and College, the event featured speeches by special guests: Hathazari Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Muhammad Abdullah Al Mumin, distinguished alumna Dr. Kaniz Fatema, and guardian representative Mohammad Abdul Mannan Daulat. The welcome address was delivered by the institution’s Principal, Mohammad Gias Uddin. Teachers, students, and guardians were present at the event.
