Educational scholarships, bicycles, and sewing machines were distributed among the students and members of ethnic minority communities here on Saturday to improve their quality of life.
The distribution event was organised by Madhupur Upazila Administration in Madhupur Upazila Parishad Hall Room.
The materials were distributed under the “Development Assistance for Special Areas (except Chittagong Hill Tracts)” programme, which is being implemented by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The Minister for Posts, Telecommunications, ICT, and Science and Technology, Faqir Mahbub Anam attended the event as the chief guest.
Madhupur Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Saiful Islam presided over the programme, which was moderated by Academic Supervisor Mohiuddin Ahmad.
Speaking at the event, Anam said that such government support plays a vital role in improving the living standards, expanding educational opportunities, and creating self-employment for ethnic minority groups.
He expressed optimism that the distribution of these aids would not only encourage students in their academic activities but also bring positive changes to the daily lives and economic activities of the beneficiaries.
Addressing another issue, the minister expressed grave concern over the drug situation in Madhupur and Dhanbari.
“Parents in Madhupur and Dhanbari are today deeply anxious about drugs,” the minister said, instructing the local administration to keep a vigilant eye and ensure that no one is shown any leniency regarding drug abuse and trafficking.
The distribution ceremony was also addressed by President of Madhupur Upazila BNP Zakir Hossain Sarker, Chairman of Bangladesh Sugar and Food Industries Corporation Shamsuzzaman Suruj, Principal Abdul Aziz, General Secretary of Upazila BNP Nasir Uddin, Khandaker Motalib Hossain, and Khurram Khan Yusufji Prince, among others.
Officials from the Upazila administration, local public representatives of various tiers, political leaders, teachers, students, media representatives, and the beneficiaries themselves were also present on the occasion.
