Local Government, Rural Development and Cooperatives Minister Dr Abdul Moin Khan has urged children to follow the ideals of Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman and prepare themselves to become responsible citizens of the country in the future.

He made the call while speaking as the chief guest at a seminar titled “50 Years in Children’s Dreams: Achievements, Experiences and Bangladesh of Tomorrow”, organised at the Bangladesh Shishu Academy auditorium in the capital on Wednesday (October 7) to mark Children’s Rights Day 2026 and the 50th anniversary of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy.

The minister said today’s children will become the country’s full-fledged citizens and play a key role in shaping Bangladesh in the future. Therefore, the present generation also has a responsibility to ensure that children are brought up properly.

“Children must prepare themselves from now on to become responsible citizens by loving their country,” he said.

Dr Moin Khan said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had given importance to the future and rights of children even before global awareness about child rights gained momentum. He realised the need to develop children’s hidden potential and abilities and prepare them for future leadership, he added.

He said the 50th anniversary celebration of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy has made children part of an important chapter in the country’s history. The experiences gained through the programme should be used to shape both their own future and the future of Bangladesh, he said.

Speaking as the chair, Women and Children Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof Dr AZM Zahid Hossain said Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman had taken initiatives for children’s welfare in 1976, long before the United Nations formally began focusing on children in 1989.

He said the government has taken initiatives to gradually expand the activities of the Bangladesh Shishu Academy to every upazila. Under these programmes, disadvantaged children will receive equal opportunities alongside other beneficiaries.

Selima Rahman, chairperson of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Women and Children Affairs, attended the programme as a special guest. Principal Information Officer of the government Syed Abdal Ahmed presented the keynote paper.