Collective effort needed to counter misconceptions on politics, religion, gender: Bobby Hajjaj
The state minister called for evidence-based narratives and a broader understanding of women’s identities and capabilities to build an inclusive Bangladesh.
A collective effort is needed to review and counter prevailing misconceptions about politics, religion and gender and establish evidence-based narratives for a more inclusive and discrimination-free Bangladesh, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj said today (16 September).
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion titled "From Commitment to Implementation: Government's 180 Days in Protecting Women's and Children's Rights" at Lakeshore Hotel in Gulshan.
The event was organised by the Coalition for Advancing Equality and Justice.
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Bobby Hajjaj said discussions on politics, religion and gender have produced various misconceptions and inaccurate narratives, which need to be critically reviewed.
"Everyone, including the younger generation, has a role to play in establishing the right narrative for the Bangladesh of the future," he said.
He also called for a broader understanding of women's identities, saying their roles should not be confined to being daughters, mothers or wives.
Women's multiple identities and capabilities must be recognised, while prevailing social perceptions about both women and men should also be reconsidered, he said.
On primary education, the state minister said the government's goal is to ensure quality education for every child.
He said the government is working to bring private educational institutions under effective government monitoring alongside public institutions, while madrasas will gradually be brought under the monitoring framework.
He said separate measures were being taken to address the specific needs of primary education in remote and marginalised areas, including haor regions.
These include improving school infrastructure, ensuring teacher attendance and accommodation, and addressing the particular needs of educational activities in such areas, he said.
Bobby Hajjaj also said a pilot initiative was being taken in coordination with private organisations to provide necessary sanitary products free of cost to schoolgirls and raise awareness about adolescent health and hygiene.
