Swapon calls for an end to the ‘prison of grades’ in education

Information and Broadcasting Minister Zahir Uddin Swapon on Saturday laid importance on providing education on humanity and moralities to students side by side textbook-based lessons to build them up as worthy citizens of the country.

“Perfect education provides scope for every student to flourish in their competence and talent, while traditional learning systems undermine the creativity and confidence of the students,” he said.

Information minister said this while speaking as the chief guest at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of a four-storey academic building at Nalchira Secondary School in Gournadi upazila on Saturday.

“Education should not be limited to textbooks alone. Alongside academic learning, students must be given education on moral values and ethics,” he said again.

The minister called upon teachers, parents and students to work together to provide quality education, ethical values and patriotism among the younger generation.

He also urged all stakeholders to make the best use of the government’s development initiatives.

Describing the educational institutions as ‘beacons of knowledge’, the minister stated, “teachers are the torchbearers of that light and their knowledge and experience should be recognised as a driving force for national development."

Expressing optimism about the new academic building, he mentioned that it would significantly strengthen the school’s educational activities and create a better learning environment.

The minister also underscored the importance of sports alongside academic studies, saying regular participation in games promotes not only physical fitness but also mental development, discipline, teamwork and leadership skills among students.

Following the foundation stone-laying ceremony, Swapon planted a tree sapling on the school premises.

The programme was presided over by Nalchira Secondary School Headmaster Nurul Alam. Executive Engineer of the Barishal Education Engineering Department Shahidul Islam, former school president Abdul Sattar Mridha, and managing committee member Al Mamun Swapan wer