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Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus on Tuesday said that students are the guardians of the state, urging them to play their responsible role in keeping the country on the right track.
"You (students) are the guardians of the country, and it is because of you. Don't forget this role. Don't forget your own role. Many are here, and many are not. But those who are not here are also guardians of the state," he told the students while exchanging views with a delegation of the anti-discrimination student movement.
The meeting was held at the State Guest House Jamuna tonight.
Prof Yunus said it is the students' responsibility to ensure that the state is running on the right path.
"If you remember this, the country will remain on the right track. Don't forget your guardianship," he said.
Noting that the country's people trust students, the chief adviser said, "Do not get frustrated. You have made the impossible possible. You have changed the country. You are the only ones who can."
"You have to fulfil the aspirations of the people. At least you have to move forward on that path. You have already achieved one victory; another victory will come. You should repeatedly remind us so that we remain alert and vigilant too," he added.
During the meeting, the students asked the chief adviser to take steps to check the price of essential commodities, confer state honours upon the martyrs of the movement, give top priority to proper treatment of the injured, and ensure optimum punishment for those involved in the July massacre.
Additionally, the students expressed concern over the propaganda being spread against the government in the media and on social media.
Welcoming the students' suggestions regarding price control of essentials, Prof. Yunus said the prices of commodities must be fixed, and those controlling the market unfairly will not be tolerated.
He said the government is trying to keep the prices of commodities stable and will make the highest efforts to maintain stability during the holy month of Ramadan as well.
Addressing the students' suggestion to strengthen local government, Prof. Yunus said there is a commission for local government reform, and it will provide suggestions that the government will implement.
On the suggestion of state honours for the martyrs, he said, "We are working on this. We will not forget the contribution of those who were martyred in July. They will be given proper state honours."
Regarding reforms in the country's education sector, the chief adviser said the education system has been completely destroyed, deliberately so, to prevent the people of Bangladesh from becoming educated or skilled.
"Unemployment has been created. There is no hope for entrepreneurs. We have to repair it. We have to develop the youth to be skilled," he added.
Prof Yunus noted that now, women students in universities make up about 52 per cent, which is a matter of great joy.
The system of slavery, where seats were previously distributed within political circles in universities, has been broken, he said, adding that the educational atmosphere cannot be allowed to deteriorate.
During the meeting, the students expressed their full confidence in and support for the interim government, assuring the chief adviser of their all-out cooperation in its reform works.
They said the country's people are with the government as it is their government.
The people want the interim government to accomplish the necessary reform works, they added.