We will raise children with the knowledge of modern technology

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said that the world is moving towards the age of technology. Our children will not be left behind. We will build them with the knowledge of modern technology. 

The Prime Minister said this while addressing the prize distribution ceremony among the winners of the Essay and Painting Competition organized on the occasion of the birth anniversary of the Father of the Nation at his official residence Ganabhaban this afternoon (Tuesday).

The Prime Minister distributed the award to 304 contestants who won the 99th, 100th, 101st, 102nd, 103rd and 104th birth anniversaries of the Father of the Nation at this event organized by Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum.

The Prime Minister said that the children of today are the future of tomorrow. In 2008 we announced to build digital Bangladesh. Digital Bangladesh has been established. Now our declaration 2041 Bangladesh will be 'Smart Bangladesh'. That is why we have set up computer labs in schools, Computer Training and Incubation Centers, where special training is provided.

The Chief Minister said, we are expanding information technology and digital system. That's because the world is moving forward with technology. Why will our children be left behind? I will make them as a nation with modern technology knowledge in that way. And the 'Smart Bangladesh' of 2041, today's children and youth will be the future leaders of that Smart Bangladesh.

He said, you will take Bangladesh forward as a smart Bangladesh. That is how we want to build the country. 

The Prime Minister said that the government has formulated many laws and policies for the protection of children. Providing free textbooks from pre-primary to secondary by creating educational opportunities. Giving scholarships, giving scholarships for higher education. Universities in various districts and various specialized universities for developing the talent of students including fashion design, aerospace and science and technology universities. Besides, it has also taken the initiative to establish medical university at the departmental level.

He said, as a result of these steps taken by the government, today the signature rate, which was only 45 percent in 2006, has increased to 76.8 percent at present.

The Prime Minister said that they have formed the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Trust to provide scholarships to poor meritorious students and help the needy. 

He and his younger sister Sheikh Rehana have converted the house of Dhanmondi, where the liberation war was fought, into a museum where Bangabandhu's memory is enshrined. So now we have no right over that house. There are human rights. A hologram of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib's historic March 7 speech has also been made there. The house tries to preserve the memory from where he proclaimed the independence of Bangladesh, lived and was brutally murdered by his family. So we two sisters will not use that house, this is our decision. 

Speaker of the National Parliament. Shirin Sharmin Chowdhury was present at the event.

President of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum and prominent painter Hashem Khan presided over the program and Curator of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Memorial Museum. Nazrul Islam Khan among others spoke.