Prime Minister Tarique Rahman’s wife and Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) Vice President Dr Zubaida Rahman on Tuesday called for ensuring a safe childhood and a secure future for every child so that they can realise their dreams and aspirations with renewed enthusiasm.

She said every child has immense potential and talent, and appropriate opportunities and an enabling environment must be created to help them develop those abilities.

Zubaida was speaking at a programme marking Children’s Rights Day 2026 and the 50th anniversary of Bangladesh Shishu Academy on the academy premises in the capital.

She congratulated all officials, employees and children of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy on its golden jubilee.

Recalling the establishment of the academy 50 years ago, she said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman founded the Bangladesh Shishu Academy with the aim of nurturing children’s potential and building their future.

“Despite various obstacles, the institution has been working tirelessly for the past five decades,” she said.

The ZRF vice president said countless children and young people had developed their talents through painting, music, dance, recitation and literary activities at the academy, describing it as an important institution for nurturing children’s creativity and talent.

Referring to former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia’s contribution to expanding children’s rights and educational opportunities, Zubaida said she had taken important initiatives to expand compulsory and free primary education and free education for girls as the country’s first women prime minister.

She said the Bangladesh Shishu Academy should reach children in every part of the country through new initiatives and modern technology.

Zubaida expressed hope that the academy will continue to serve as a reliable platform for children to develop their dreams and talents.

Addressing the children, she urged them to overcome all obstacles and flourish, saying every child has immense potential that needs to be given the opportunity to emerge.

“InshaAllah, children will succeed through renewed enthusiasm and fresh initiatives,” Zubaida said.

“May every childhood be safe and every child’s future be secure — this is our wish,” she added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, who addressed the programme as the chief guest, and Zubaida Rahman were welcomed by around 150 children upon their arrival at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy. The programme began with the national anthem.

After the discussion, Tarique Rahman and Zubaida Rahman enjoyed a cultural programme performed by children.

They also visited an exhibition of paintings by children and a photography gallery.