Dr. Zubaida Rahman, vice president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation, has called for ensuring proper education, healthcare, sports and a healthy natural environment to help children develop their hidden talents, lofty aspirations and potential.

She made the call while speaking as the chief guest at a cultural programme held after her visit to the ‘Blue Sky’ school for children with special needs, operated by the Bangladesh Air Force in Agargaon, Dhaka, on Tuesday afternoon.

Referring to children as the “great soldiers” who will build the country in the future, Zubaida Rahman said, “Coming here reminds me of only one thing—that for any aspiration, the open sky is the ultimate limit. Children and adolescents will move forward with lofty aspirations and immense potential. Because today’s children are the great soldiers who will build the country tomorrow. Children are the future of the nation.”

Highlighting the historical significance of establishing the Bangladesh Shishu Academy and later creating opportunities for girls to receive free higher education, she said, “The Shishu Academy was established precisely for the advancement of these children. Later, higher-level education was made free for girls. Through cultural and sports competitions such as ‘Notun Kuri,’ they are getting opportunities to demonstrate their excellence.”

The vice president of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation said, “Every child’s life is filled with countless lofty dreams. We must collectively create a proper education system, arrangements for their mental and physical health, opportunities to play and roam amid nature in green open fields, and access to treatment for any illness. So that no child or adolescent in any of Bangladesh’s 64 districts, upazilas, 599 unions and 9,990 villages falls behind through neglect. Every child should remain safe with their parents and family.”

Praising the children’s cultural performances, Zubaida Rahman said, “With specific training and proper guidance, children can demonstrate their limitless talents. Achieving success collectively and developing a sporting spirit will later give them the strength and confidence to become good citizens of the country.”

She said, “Children are the beloved and valuable assets of society and the state. They all have lofty dreams—to spread their wings and fly in the blue sky. They must move forward with sky-high determination.”

Zubaida Rahman added, “The children have proved today that they can accomplish something meaningful by working together. This is also extremely important in sports. This learning will later provide them with the strength and confidence to grow into responsible citizens. You will shine like stars and illuminate the image of Bangladesh.”

Highlighting the role of the Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association (BAFWA) in women’s empowerment and skills development, she said BAFWA’s training and handicraft initiatives were highly commendable and innovative in promoting the development of the country’s 51 percent female population. She also thanked the students of Golden Eagle School and wished them success in reaching the peak of their potential.

Before delivering her speech, Zubaida Rahman visited the Blue Sky School and enjoyed a cultural programme featuring children with special needs and students of the BAFWA Golden Eagle Nursery.

During the programme, children with special needs performed songs, dances, a fashion show and other activities in front of Zubaida Rahman. She highly praised BAFWA’s humanitarian initiatives, including providing education and therapy facilities for children with special needs and helping women become self-reliant.

Later, the young students of Blue Sky School took part in a photo session with chief guest Zubaida Rahman.

The Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association and the Others Women and Children Club presented Zubaida Rahman with a commemorative gift and a special present—a photograph of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman.

A video presentation highlighting BAFWA’s programmes and the activities of the Blue Sky School was also screened at the event.

Saliha Khan, president of the Bangladesh Air Force Women’s Welfare Association and the Others Women and Children Club, delivered the welcome address. Group Captain Mohammad Nur Ullah (PSC), principal of Blue Sky School, also spoke at the programme.

The event was attended by the Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Administration), vice presidents of the BAFWA Central Committee, representatives of the BAFWA AK Khandker and Bashar branches, and senior officials of the Bangladesh Air Force.