Desk Report:
43 teachers and students of Gobindapur Union High School in the remote area of Laksam Upazila of Comilla got the opportunity to visit the National Parliament Building, the heart of democracy in Bangladesh, for the first time. This educational tour organized by the Visits Branch of the National Parliament Secretariat turned out to be a memorable and inspiring experience for the participants.
Upon reaching the Parliament Building, the delegation first visited the LD Hall. Later, they visited various important structures of the National Parliament Building designed by world-renowned architect Louis I. Kahn. As part of the tour, they enjoyed the budget session firsthand. In addition, they got the opportunity to visit the North and South Plazas of the Parliament, the picturesque Crescent Lake, the session room and the rich Parliament Library.
In the briefing session organized in the oath room, the students were given a detailed idea about the history, architecture and activities of the National Parliament. The students expressed their excitement after learning about the various aspects of state governance through practical experience.
After the visit, school student Sigmatul Azim Jahin said, “I visited the National Parliament Building for the first time in my life. The beauty of the Crescent Lake of the Parliament Building, designed by world-renowned architect Louis I. Kahn, fascinated me. I was overwhelmed by such a rich and large library. I will never forget this experience.”
Naimul Islam Apu, a student of the 10th grade science department, said, “I had never imagined that the National Parliament Building would be so beautiful and spectacular. I am very happy and inspired to see it firsthand today.”
As part of the visit, teachers and students participated in the ‘Greeting Exchange’ program organized in the oath-taking room of the National Parliament Building. Member of Parliament Md. Abul Kalam, MP, was present as the chief guest. The program was presided over by Barrister Md. Golam Sarwar Bhuiyan, Secretary of the National Parliament Secretariat. At this time, the guests presented greeting gifts to the students and teachers.
Before the session began, Housing and Public Works Minister Zakaria Taher Suman and then Deputy Leader of the Opposition Nahid Islam exchanged greetings with the delegation.
The speakers at the event called on the students to acquire patriotism, ethics and leadership qualities and said that the National Parliament Building is not just an establishment, but it is a symbol of Bangladesh’s democracy, people’s hopes and aspirations and constitutional practice. Such educational tours are of immense importance in providing students with an opportunity to learn about state governance through practical experience.
As part of the tour, teachers and students participated in lunch at the cafeteria of the Parliament Building. Many students said that until now they had only learned about the National Parliament Building through books and television; getting the opportunity to actually come and see it was like a dream come true for them.
The members of the delegation said that they did not have the opportunity to see the Leader of the Parliament, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman, as he was on a state visit to China at the time. However, they got the opportunity to see the Leader of the Opposition Dr. Shafiqur Rahman, members of the cabinet and various members of parliament directly.
Teachers and students of Gobindapur Union High School described the visit as one of the most memorable events in the school’s history. In their words, this experience of visiting the National Parliament Building for students from ordinary families in remote villages will further enhance their patriotism, leadership spirit, and interest in learning about the state in their future lives.
