Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday said although the government has imposed austerity measures to save public money amid the global crisis due to the coronavirus and the Russia-Ukraine war, it did not compromise on printing free textbooks books for children.

"…we did not forget children's issues, we did not compromise on printing their textbooks. Yes, we are trying to save money from other sectors [imposing austerity measures], but we've given special attention to printing their [children's] books [textbooks]," she said.

The prime minister came up with the remarks while formally inaugurating the free textbook distribution programme for 2023 at her office.

Hasina said to build "Smart Bangladesh" by 2041, children will be provided with all facilities as they are the driving force in attaining that goal.

"We will make sure that our children grow up in such a way that they would be technology-driven and ready to become skilled manpower for the upcoming Fourth Industrial Revolution," she said.

She urged all to give special attention to flourishing the hidden talents of children by nurturing their curiosities.

"We have to build them as worthy citizens of the country for Smart Bangladesh by 2041," she said.

The premier said the main aim of the government is to create technically and technologically skilled manpower by providing proper education.

Education Minister Dipu Moni, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Md Zakir Hossain and Deputy Minister for Education Mohibul Hassan Chowdhury also spoke at the programme.