Stressing that no nation achieves glory without education, LGRD Minister Dr Abdul Moeen Khan urged the students to ensure their academic pursuits are not compromised, even as they step up to protect the country during times of crisis.
“You gave the country a new direction and freed this nation from injustice, oppression, and autocracy. But, I say this in strict terms, you must not do this by abandoning your studies," he said.
The Minister made these remarks while addressing a discussion arranged as part of the nine-day Zia Smriti Book Fair 2026 being held on the Bangla Academy premises.
“As a former student and teacher myself, I humbly tell the students, you will do everything. You will step up during the country's crisis, just as you did in July 2024,†he added.
Urging students to keep academic responsibility a top priority, he said, “I cannot abandon my classes to do something else. I will do everything, but I will never abandon my classroom studies.â€
Reflecting on the history of invaders destroying libraries to wipe out civilizations, the Minister asked students to treat books and libraries as invaluable assets in their lives.
“Whether the new generation reads on mobile phones, through e-books, or by physically going to a library, the habit of reading must not be lost. We must return to education," he said.
Chaired by Zia Smriti Pathagar Vice President Fatema Salam. State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed, BNP lawmaker Nilufar Chowdhury Moni, among others, spoke at the event.