Education adviser professor CR Abrar has said the government will stand beside journalists and their families in scholarship and welfare programmes, calling such support both a humanitarian responsibility and a moral duty of the state.
He made the remarks on Thursday while speaking as the chief guest at a scholarship and merit-honouring event organised by Dhaka Reporters Unity for the children of deceased journalists.
Abrar thanked DRU and NRBC Bank for undertaking the initiative and said the state cannot always fulfil every responsibility to the expected level, which is why organisations like DRU play a crucial role. He described DRU’s continued efforts to provide scholarships and nurture the talents and personality development of journalists’ children as exemplary.
Remembering late journalist Anwarul Haque, he said DRU was established by journalists who were once deprived of their rightful privileges, and its current progress stands as proof of their success.
He also noted that the demanding work schedules of reporters often limit the time they can spend with their children, and the support shown by colleagues and the organisation in filling that void is commendable.
Speaking about DRU’s weekend school, he said creating a platform for children to explore music, dance, recitation and other creative talents is a significant achievement. He added that DRU’s dream of establishing a full-fledged school in future is entirely realistic.
NRBC Bank Deputy Managing Director Mohammad Abdul Kaiyum Khan, DRU President Abu Saleh Akon, General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel, other organisational leaders and family members of deceased journalists were present at the event.
