Feature

Saving the Future of the Nation

Mohammad Ruhul Kader

RAKIB a 10 year old boy with light black skin, deep, blue eyes and black hair, works as a canteen boy in Surjasen Hall, DU. As a student of this hall I see him atleast four times each day, a sinless holy face that makes you feel strong emotions. A shame of inability overpowers me. Nearly 2500 students are living in this hall and we do nothing for them.

Rakib is only one example. We see a lot of Rakibs around us every day. They have been born with bad luck and it continues because of our irresponsibility. They have no shelter and very little food. Some of them beg for food and money, collect garbage and search for food here and there.

Child labour is a common phenomenon in our country. Day by day it's increasing alarmingly. None of us are aware of it. It's true that the Government has responsibility but it does not mean that we have no responsibility. As citizens of this country we are not playing our role, and offering our helping hands towards them.

As part of the youth generation I firmly believe our sincere effort can put an end to this situation. We have potential, courage, and capability to make some changes. As students we can provide them with basic education in our spare time, can give them nutritious food once a week or a month based on our capacity. Through our efforts if we are able to save one child's life it will be a great investment for the nation.

We certainly hope for a better Bangladesh, but it is impossible to dream without saving our real resource, the future generation. It's the appropriate time to play our role, to stand up, to make contribution and to bring about changes. So, take the responsibility and change the country. Because together we can do more.

(Department of Marketing, University of Dhaka.)