DHAKA, Dec 2, 2021 (BSS) - Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan 
Mahmud today said a quarter wants to take political advantage using the 
students as a shield. 

   "Our children are doing the movement demanding safe road. I would like to 
extend thanks to them. Safe road is needed for us and the government has also 
taken different steps regarding this issue including implementation of half 
fare. 

   The private bus owners association has also implemented the half fare 
policy for students," he said.

   The minister stated these while addressing a scholarship-handover function 
organised by Dhaka Sub-editors Council (DSEC) at an auditorium of Jatiya 
Press Club here.

   Urging the students to go back to their own classes discarding movement on 
streets, he said, "I hope that our children will go back to their classes as 
their education was hampered due to COVID-19 situation. And, it is the time 
for going back to classes." 

   Lawmaker Engineer Md Mozaffar Hossain, editor of daily Jugantar Saiful 
Alam, Awami League leader Advocate Boloram Poddar, Samprotik Deshkal editor 
Ilias Hossain Polash and KSB Group chairman Dr Mohammad A Hossain Dipu, among 
others, addressed the function as special guests with DSEC president Mamun 
Farazi in the chair.

   Hasan, also AL joint general secretary, said politics have started with 
innocent students and many want to take political advantage making them 
(students) as shields. And the incident of Rampura is one of the parts of the 
ill efforts, he added.

   Some groups in the country are like parasites as they want to gain 
political turnover depending on other people, the minister said, adding, "The 
parasites are now active. I would like to urge the guardians to remain alert 
in this issue. We should make sure that the children go back to their classes 
as early as possible," he added. 

   About a comment of BNP leader Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir over sending 
Begum Zia abroad, Hasan said they (BNP) have been trying to thwart the 
government during the last twelve and a half years. But, they themselves tore 
the rope and consequently fell off, he added.

   He said there is no benefit to doing this. The government is determined to 
take all steps in providing treatment to Begum Zia inside the country 
whatever BNP or her family want it or not, he added. 

  The minister said the BNP chief fell sick previously as she received good 
treatment of country's doctor. "I hope that this time Begum Zia will go back 
to her home after getting well," he added.

  Hasan extended thanks to the DSEC for giving scholarships to the 
meritorious students. 

  Saiful said Bangladesh is the nation of heroes. Recognition of merit is 
essential to move the society as well as the state, he added.