Prime Minister Tarique Rahman on Wednesday sought the support of primary school teachers in building a "humane Bangladesh", stressing that alongside academic learning, children must be taught moral values, compassion, culture and responsibility towards nature from an early age.

"If we want to build a humane Bangladesh, we must first raise our children as humane people. You (teachers) are the architects who are shaping those future citizens," he said while addressing a ceremony to distribute the Primary Education Medal-2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Agargaon.

The Prime Minister said the day's events, including the nationwide tree plantation campaign, exhibitions by schools from across the country and cultural performances by primary school students, convinced him that Bangladesh is nurturing the generation that will build the country's future. "It felt to me as if I entered a factory that produces the builders of tomorrow's Bangladesh," he said.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister inaugurated a nationwide tree plantation programme by planting a sapling at the venue under the Green School initiative.

Nearly 2 lakh saplings were planted simultaneously across the country through the participation of government primary schools.

Tarique Rahman also spent around one and a half hours visiting stalls set up by schools from 60 districts where students and teachers showcased innovative classroom practices, creative projects, joyful learning activities, digital education initiatives and local cultural heritage.

Referring to the government's election pledge, he said strengthening primary education remains one of its highest priorities, describing primary schools, teachers and students as the three key pillars of nation-building.

The Prime Minister said the government is working to address teachers' problems while improving their professional skills through better training. "If we can provide our primary teachers with proper training, they will pass that knowledge on to children and help build a strong educational foundation from the very beginning," he said.

He praised schools for introducing the concept of "Learning with Happiness", saying he had witnessed its successful implementation at almost every stall he visited.

Tarique Rahman thanked teachers across the country for embracing the approach and said the government will work to expand it further.

He stressed that schools should not focus only on textbooks but also on teaching ethics, discipline and social values.

The Prime Minister said primary teachers have the greatest opportunity to instill values such as honesty, respect, responsibility and discipline in children from an early age.

"If we can nurture ethics and values in our children, we will gradually become a disciplined and stronger nation," he said.

Tarique Rahman said the government also wants to include family, social and religious values more effectively in future curricula and sought teachers' cooperation in that effort.

He also underlined the importance of cultural activities and sports in children's development, saying education alone is not enough to build confident and capable citizens.

The Prime Minister encouraged schools to organise more cultural programmes, debates, poetry recitation, music and sports, saying physical activity improves children's health, sharpens their minds and helps them become more creative.

Addressing schoolchildren, he urged every child to plant at least one tree every year during the monsoon until reaching adulthood.

Tarique Rahman said children should also learn about the species they plant, its lifespan, environmental importance and the benefits it provides for people.

"As you grow up, your tree will grow with you. One day you will sit under its shade, read books there and spend time with your friends," he said.

The Prime Minister said the government plans to plant 25 crore trees across the country over the next five years to improve the environment and ecological balance.

He also urged children to develop compassion for animals, saying kindness towards all living beings is an essential part of building a humane society.

Tarique Rahman encouraged students to look after pets or domestic animals, such as chickens, ducks, rabbits, goats, cats or dogs, saying such activities will help children develop empathy, responsibility and love for nature.

"We want children to grow up caring not only for trees but also for animals and all living things. That is how we can build a humane Bangladesh," he said.

Highlighting the government's commitment to girls' education, the Prime Minister announced that female students will be able to study free of tuition up to honours level under a new government decision.

He also said scholarships will be introduced for meritorious female students pursuing higher education.

Calling upon teachers to continue guiding children with dedication, Tarique Rahman said they are the true builders of the country's future.

"The soldiers who will build tomorrow's Bangladesh are sitting in your classrooms today. You are the ones shaping them. Help us build a humane Bangladesh," he said, addressing the teachers.

The programme, organised by the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, began with the national anthem, followed by recitations from the Holy Quran, the Gita, the Tripitaka and the Bible.

According to the organisers, student representatives and teachers from government primary schools in 60 districts participated in the event.

The event included debates, songs, dances and other cultural performances presented by primary school students.

A documentary highlighting the progress and development of primary education was screened during the event.

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman presented the Primary Education Medal-2026 to primary school students and teachers for their outstanding performances.

Later, he joined the audience and enjoyed a debate competition and a cultural programme performed by primary school students.

Education Minister Dr ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon, State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj, Prime Minister's Adviser on Education, and Primary and Mass Education Mahdi Amin, and Primary and Mass Education Secretary Md Shakhawat Hossain also addressed the programme.