Schools, colleges to be established in every union: Shama Obaid

Schools and colleges will be established in every union across Bangladesh, said State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaid Islam. She also announced plans to set up quality madrasas and ensure improved education and facilities for children.

She made the remarks as the chief guest at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the Saltha Bridge on the Faridpur (Badarpur)-Saltha-Sonapur-Muksudpur road, organised by local BNP in Saltha upazila of Faridpur on Friday evening.

Shama Obaid Islam said, "For the future of your children and grandchildren, schools and colleges will be established in every union. Quality madrasas will be set up. Arrangements will be made so that young children receive quality education and facilities."

She said development is possible only under the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the government. "Development is possible under Prime Minister Tarique Rahman. A government that came to power without votes ruled the country for 17 years. During that time, people of no religion or party could live well. Now the opportunity for development has come."

Stating that the development of the people of the area would be the main focus in the next five years, the state minister said, "With Allah's help, we will work to improve people's living standards and the overall development of the area."

She also said fascism would never find a place in Bangladesh again. "After 18 years of struggle, democracy has returned to the country. This democracy must be sustained, and no autocrat must be allowed to return," Shama Obaid said.

She called on everyone to remain united regardless of party, opinion, religion or caste.

At one point during her speech, Shama Obaid raised slogans of "Autocracy or democracy" and "Fascism or development" from the stage, with leaders and activists joining in.