Govt introduces common uniforms, midday meals to curb discrimination: Bari

The government has introduced common uniforms and midday meals at primary schools to promote equality among children from an early age, following the directives of the Prime Minister, State Minister for Public Administration Md Abdul Bari said today.

He was addressing the annual prize-giving and cultural programme of BIAM Model School and College at Hatirjheel in the capital.

Senior Secretary of the Ministry of Public Administration Md Quamruzzaman Chowdhury attended the programme as a special guest.

Bari said 47 BIAM institutions are currently working to ensure quality education, adding that such institutions would gradually be expanded to district and upazila levels.

He called for promoting innovative education to keep the country's students competitive in the global arena.

The state minister said women were achieving unprecedented success in various sectors, including administration, medicine and engineering, attributing their progress to the visionary initiatives of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and the free education and stipend programmes for girls introduced by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia.

Remembering the July Mass Uprising martyrs, Bari said the current democratic government, formed through their sacrifices, was working to uphold the rule of law and build a society free from corruption and discrimination.

The government, he said, had been working to strengthen the country's economic foundation over the past eight months by controlling inflation, nearly doubling government salaries and allowances, increasing remittances and exports, and promoting job-oriented education.

Bari urged the students to focus on their studies and avoid wasting time to build a bright future.

He also advised them to limit mobile phone use, avoid going out alone after dusk, stay away from drugs and show compassion towards disadvantaged people to become responsible citizens.

BIAM Foundation Director General Md Abdul Malek presided over the programme. Principal Md Sazzadur Rahman, teachers, students and senior officials of the college and the ministry were also present.