Child daycare centres assist in building country’s future, says Zubaida Rahman

“By caring for children, you are helping shape the country's next generation while also enabling a large number of women to participate in the workforce and avoid unemployment," she says

Daycare centres are not merely safe spaces for children; they also play a vital role in building the country's future, Dr Zubaida Rahman, vice-chairperson of the Ziaur Rahman Foundation and wife of the prime minister has said.

She made the remarks while speaking as the chief guest at a discussion titled "Early Childhood Care and Development", held on Monday at the Ministry of Women and Children's Affairs' Child Daycare Centre in Panthapath, Dhaka, under the ministry's daycare centre programme.

Expressing her appreciation for the caregivers, Dr Rahman said, "Through your compassion and dedication, you are helping raise other people's children. Because of your efforts, many women are able to join and remain in the workforce with peace of mind, knowing their children are in a safe and nurturing environment."

She said that early childhood is one of the most critical stages of a person's life, as it lays the foundation for future development. "A daycare centre is not just a place where children stay safely; it is an institution that contributes to building the nation's future. By caring for children, you are helping shape the country's next generation while also enabling a large number of women to participate in the workforce and avoid unemployment."

Before the discussion, Dr Rahman toured the daycare centre, interacted with the children, and viewed their artwork.

Women and Children's Affairs and Social Welfare Minister Prof AZM Zahid Hossain chaired the workshop. Water Resources Minister Shahiduddin Chowdhury Anee, State Minister Farhad Hossain Azad, and State Minister for Social Welfare Farzana Sharmin, among others, also addressed the programme.