Chattogram Correspondent
Merely acquiring knowledge from textbooks or obtaining higher academic degrees does not make a person truly educated, Chattogram District Commissioner Mohammad Zahidul Islam Mia has said.
He stressed the need to combine education with humanity, moral values, patriotism and social responsibility.
“Education has little value for society and the state if it fails to develop in students the mentality to respect elders, love younger people and stand beside those in distress,” he said.
The district commissioner made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at an award distribution ceremony of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra’s book-reading programme at GEC Convention Centre in Chattogram city on Friday morning.
The event was organised to honour students from various educational institutions who participated in the book-reading programme and achieved distinction in its assessment.
Addressing the students, Zahidul Islam said books play an important role in developing people into better human beings. Regular reading, he said, broadens perspectives, strengthens reasoning and imagination, and develops humanity and social awareness.
“Books can play the greatest role in making people truly human. They are a vehicle that takes us to the past, helps us understand the present and enables us to plan for the future,” he said.
He said education should not be limited to examination results, securing jobs or pursuing higher studies. Rather, it should teach people to respect others, help the disadvantaged and contribute to society.
Describing the world as highly competitive, the DC urged students to acquire modern knowledge and technological skills while remaining grounded in human values. He said Bangladesh's large population could become a major asset if transformed into a skilled and capable workforce.
He also stressed responsible use of technology, saying it could benefit individuals and society when used properly but become harmful when misused.
“The responsibility of leading the country in the future will rest on today's students,” he said, urging them to use their knowledge and skills for national development.
Referring to the sacrifices behind Bangladesh's independence, Zahidul Islam urged the younger generation to uphold their dignity and contribute to building a safe, humane and welfare-oriented country.
Speakers said Bishwa Sahitya Kendra has been running its nationwide book-reading programme for 48 years to develop enlightened individuals among secondary-level students. Around 150,000 students from nearly 1,400 secondary schools currently participate in the programme.
In the 2025 academic year, nearly 13,000 students from 101 secondary schools in Chattogram city took part. Of them, 5,896 students who achieved distinction were awarded prizes in two sessions of the day-long festival.
Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Cultural Affairs Md Billal Hossain Khan, representatives of Bishwa Sahitya Kendra, teachers, guardians, distinguished guests and students attended the programme. #EK
