Renowned cardiologist and Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) Vice President Dr Zubaida Rahman on Tuesday said no child or teenager in any of Bangladesh’s 90,000 villages should be left behind through neglect.

She made the remarks during a visit to Blue Sky BAF School for Special Children.

“They also need assurance of treatment for any illness. We all have to create these opportunities,” she said.

Zubaida said no child or teenager in any of the country’s 64 districts, 500 upazilas, 4,599 unions and 90,000 villages should be left behind through neglect.

“Just as every child is extremely dear to their parents and family, every child is also a beloved and valuable member of society and the state,” she said.

Referring to her visit to Blue Sky School, Zubaida said the experience reminded her that children should be encouraged to pursue their aspirations without limits.

“Visiting Blue Sky School today reminds me of one thing: when it comes to any aspiration, the open sky is the ultimate limit. Sky is the limit,” she said.

She urged children and teenagers to move forward with sky-high aspirations and determination, saying today’s children would become the people who build the country in the future.

“Children are the future of the nation,” she said.

Zubaida said the Bangladesh Shishu Academy was established to help children develop their abilities, while girls were later provided with opportunities for free higher education.

She also highlighted cultural and sporting competitions such as the “Notun Kuri” programme, through which children have been able to demonstrate their talents.

“All of them have sky-high dreams. They want to spread their wings under the blue sky and fly. You have to move forward with sky-high determination. Your parents are there, and everyone is with you,” she said.

Referring to a cultural programme held at the school, Zubaida said the children had demonstrated how well they could perform when provided with proper training and opportunities.

“I thank my dear children and teenage friends very much. You will shine like stars and illuminate the image of Bangladesh,” she said.

Zubaida also praised the Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association for its role in empowering women.

“Through training, they are developing their perspectives and skills in fine arts. This is certainly an innovative effort for the advancement of one section of the country’s population, the women,” she said.