A total of 548 female students from 102 educational institutions in Bogura’s Shibganj received free bicycles on Sunday to mark the birthday of Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of Prime Minister Tarique Rahman.

The bicycles were distributed at Shibganj Government Pilot Girls’ High School under an initiative organised by State Minister for Local Government, Rural Development and Co-operatives Mir Shahe Alam .

Speaking at the event, Mir Shahe Alam said more than 700 meritorious students had been invited to take part in an examination, with 548 girls participating.

“Students from 102 educational institutions were invited, and we are giving bicycles to the 548 girls,” he said.

The state minister said promoting girls’ education was the main objective of the initiative, adding that today’s female students would shape the country’s future.

He also stressed the need to ensure a safe environment for girls to continue their education, calling for greater awareness and collective action to prevent child marriage and eve-teasing.

Mir Shahe Alam said discussions had been held on these issues and necessary decisions taken to ensure girls could travel safely to school and pursue their studies without hindrance.

The initiative aimed to support students and advance girls’ education, he added.

Nearly 1,000 students, including those from the host school, also received mugs bearing Zaima Rahman’s photograph.

The recipients appeared excited as they received their bicycles, with some riding them around the school grounds.