BNP Acting Chairman Tarique Rahman on Saturday stressed the need for structural reforms in the education system to keep children and adolescents away from excessive internet use and online addiction.He said education should not be limited to academic studies alone and emphasised making sports, arts and cultural activities mandatory alongside formal education.Tarique Rahman made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a “Meet and Greet with Tarique Rahman” programme organised with the winners of the national reel-making competition titled “Amar Bhabnay Bangladesh” at Justice Shahabuddin Ahmed Park in Gulshan, Dhaka, on Saturday afternoon (January 24).

His daughter, Barrister Zaima Rahman, was also present at the event.

Addressing the programme, Tarique Rahman said the education system must be designed in a way that children do not perceive learning as a burden, but rather enjoy the process. He said future education policies should include provisions requiring students to pass not only in academic subjects but also in sports, while arts and culture would be incorporated into the curriculum.

He said that engaging children in sports and creative activities alongside their studies would help them spend a significant portion of their time productively, thereby reducing excessive internet browsing and online dependency.

Speaking on primary education, Tarique Rahman said improving teachers’ skills and qualifications is more important than constructing school buildings. He stressed the need to provide primary school teachers with training not only in academic instruction but also in teaching social and moral values.

Referring to social degradation and incidents of mob justice, he said instilling a sense of right and wrong in children from an early age could significantly help reduce such problems in the future.

During the programme, Tarique Rahman and Barrister Zaima Rahman also exchanged views with the winners of the national reel-making competition, discussing youths’ perspectives on education, society and the country’s future.

The “Amar Bhabnay Bangladesh” national reel-making competition, organised by BNP, saw participation from around 2,500 contestants across the country. Following evaluations by public opinion and a jury board, 10 winners were selected.