Underprivileged children will also be included in Shishu Academy activities: Minister

He said this in his presidential remarks at a seminar organised at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium in the capital on Wednesday on the occasion of ‘Child Rights Day 2026’ and the academy’s golden jubilee.

The minister said the government’s goal is to build an inclusive and livable Bangladesh for all, regardless of religion, caste and class. To give children at the grassroots level the opportunity to develop their latent talents, the activities and infrastructure of Shishu Academy will be expanded in every upazila of the country in phases.

He said initiatives have been taken to involve children in various creative activities, including sports, recitation, music and dance, rather than keeping them confined only to textbooks. As part of this, ‘Notun Kuri’ and ‘Notun Kuri Sports’ have been launched.

Speaking as chief guest at the event, Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Dr. Abdul Moeen Khan said today’s children will lead the country in the future. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the present generation to inspire them with patriotism and build them into competent citizens.

Special guest Selima Rahman, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, called on parents to raise children with humanitarian and moral education. She also emphasised further expanding the activities of Shishu Academy.

The seminar called for coordinated social initiatives to eliminate child labour, eradicate malnutrition, ensure child health, and prevent child marriage and violence against women and children. It also proposed organising a ‘SAARC Children’s Conference’ for the welfare of children.