ILIAS RIPON,  (CTG Mail) :

Bangladesh Kindergarten Association (BKA), Chattogram Division, has honoured students who secured scholarships in 2025 by presenting certificates, crests and cash awards at a ceremony held at the Chattogram Theatre Institute auditorium.

The discussion meeting and award distribution programme took place on Tuesday afternoon under the initiative of the Bangladesh Kindergarten Association, Chattogram Division. The event brought together educationists, organisational leaders, school representatives, students and guardians to celebrate academic excellence and recognise contributions to the country’s kindergarten education sector.

Mayor Highlights Role of Kindergarten Education

Chattogram City Corporation Mayor Dr. Mohammad Shahadat Hossain attended the programme as the chief guest. Addressing the gathering, he said kindergarten institutions play a vital supporting role alongside the government’s primary education system by ensuring that children receive quality education from an early age.

The mayor noted that several hundred thousand children are currently studying in kindergarten institutions across Bangladesh. He stressed that both the government and all stakeholders should work together to improve the quality of education in these institutions so that children receive better learning opportunities.

He also thanked the organisers for arranging a meaningful programme to encourage talented students and honour educators.

National and Regional Leaders Attend Ceremony

The programme was presided over by Lion Mohammad Kabirul Islam, President of BKA Chattogram Division, while Lion Lubna Humayun Sumi, General Secretary of the division, conducted the event.

The welcome address was delivered by Mohammad Kamrul Islam, Information and Technology Secretary of the BKA Central Committee. The keynote speech was presented by Md. Iskandar Ali Hawlader, Secretary General of the organisation, while the inaugural address was delivered by A.K.M. Nurul Bashar Bhuiyan, Central Vice Chairman.

The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Alhaj Md. Chayed.

Among the special guests were Central Finance Secretary Khandaker Rehan Uddin and Joint Secretary Sikdar Abul Kalam Azad. Also present were Central Assistant Law Affairs Secretary D.I.M. Jahangir Alam, Central Member M.A. Matin, Chattogram Regional Vice-President Md. Nazim Uddin, Organising Secretary Mohammad Nurul Absar, Publicity and Publications Secretary Supalal Barua, along with other leaders and invited guests.

Scholarship Winners and Educators Receive Recognition

Following the discussion session, scholarship recipients received certificates, crests and cash prizes from the chief guest and other distinguished guests.

The organisers also honoured the heads of ten educational institutions for their outstanding contributions to the development of education, recognising their efforts to improve academic standards and support students.

The award ceremony highlighted the organisation’s commitment to promoting merit, encouraging young learners and recognising educators for their dedication.

Speakers Stress Quality Education and Moral Values

In his keynote address, Md. Iskandar Ali Hawlader said many educational institutions had faced significant challenges in recent years, with some being forced to close. Despite these difficulties, a large number of students continue to participate in the association’s annual scholarship programme.

He reaffirmed that the organisation would continue working alongside educational institutions and teachers to strengthen education and contribute to humanitarian development across the country.

Students Encouraged to Believe in Their Potential

Speaking at the event, Mohammad Kamrul Islam encouraged students to develop confidence and perseverance.

He said success begins with self-belief and that those who never give up are difficult to defeat. Awards and recognition, he added, serve as powerful motivation for students to achieve greater success in the future.

He also emphasised that education provides the ability to distinguish between right and wrong, truth and falsehood, knowledge and ignorance. Describing education as a pathway to personal transformation, he said moral values, ethics and character-building remain essential for developing responsible citizens.

The speakers agreed that today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders, making it essential to continue scholarship programmes and initiatives that nurture talent and inspire academic excellence.

Concluding the programme, the presiding chair urged students and guardians to reduce excessive dependence on mobile phones and social media and focus more on education, personal development and productive learning.