A non-discriminatory education system will be developed to ensure quality learning opportunities for children from poor and disadvantaged families, State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has said.

She made the remarks at a programme to distribute school uniforms, eco-friendly jute school bags and shoes among students at the Saltha Upazila Parishad Hall on Sunday afternoon.

Shama Obaed said ensuring access to school alone was not enough to build a well-educated, skilled and humane future generation; students must also be provided with the necessary educational materials.

“Our goal is to ensure that no child is deprived of education because of financial hardship,” she said.

She said the government was giving serious attention to removing barriers to education for children from economically disadvantaged families.

“Effective initiatives will be taken to encourage students to attend school, prevent dropouts and improve the learning environment,” she added.

Speaking about the distribution of jute school bags, Shama Obaed said jute was an important part of Bangladesh’s tradition and had great potential.

“By providing jute school bags, we are not only meeting students’ needs but also encouraging the use of locally produced jute products,” she said, adding that the environmentally friendly initiative would contribute to the development of the country’s jute industry.

She said the benefits of development and progress must reach ordinary people, and called for building a prosperous and non-discriminatory Bangladesh by giving priority to education, healthcare, employment and social security.

“Politics should primarily be about working for the welfare of the people while respecting their votes and support,” she said.

The state minister urged everyone to rise above political divisions and work together in the national interest.

Shama Obaed said the Bangladesh of the future would depend on education, technology, skills and human values.

“Ensuring quality education and necessary facilities for today’s students is essential to achieving this goal. A conscious, skilled and humane generation will further strengthen the country’s development and democratic progress,” she said.

Free school uniforms, eco-friendly jute school bags and shoes were distributed among 315 students of eight primary schools in Saltha upazila.

The programme created a festive atmosphere among the students, who expressed happiness at receiving the new uniforms, bags and shoes.

Teachers, guardians and local dignitaries welcomed the initiative.