A four-day Shishu Utshab (children's festival) and Mela (fair) kicked off last Tuesday afternoon at Tetulia Pilot School Ground in Panchagarh.
Primary and Mass Education Minister Dr. Afsarul Amin inaugurated the first Shishu Utshab and Mela in the area as chief guest.
The inaugural session followed a discussion with Upazila Nirbahi Officer Amirul Islam in the chair.
Lawmaker Farida Akhter; Deputy Commissioner Banamali Bhoumick; Superintendent of Police Shareer Rahman; Upazila Chairman Muktarul Haque and District Primary Education Officer Syeda Mahfuza Begum delivered speeches as special guests.
Coordinator of the mela, Kazi Mahbub, delivered the welcome address.
The organisers said that they had arranged the event to help facilitate children's physical, mental, social and moral development. Activities like these also enable the young ones to be patriotic citizens.
Thanking the organisers for the innovative idea, Dr. Afsarul Amin said in his speech that we have to help the next generation face complex situations. Amin also said that his ministry would take the initiative to hold such events in all district and upazila headquarters.
A total of 300 students of different government and registered primary schools of Tetulia upazila are taking part in the Shishu Utshab and Mela -- in 27 events, including sports, educational and cultural activities.
At a vibrant cultural programme, students rendered patriotic, modern and folk songs.
People from all strata of life including teachers, students and professionals, attended the programme.