Some Address Prime Minister 'Uncle,' Others 'Mama'
The Prime Minister's 18 Minutes in the Children's World
Collected Photo
The daycare center was alive with the tinkling sound of toys, the laughter of tender voices, and playful shouts. The four walls resonated with the cheerful energy of tiny feet running around. It was during this lively moment that Prime Minister Tarique Rahman arrived.
Breaking through the strict wall of security, the Prime Minister spent 18 minutes with the children. For a moment, he seemed to return to the carefree days of his own childhood—a time filled only with innocent laughter and joyful moments.
On Tuesday morning, the Prime Minister inaugurated the "Land Service Fair" at Bhumi Bhaban in Tejgaon. Afterward, he visited the daycare center on the ground floor of the building, which is managed under the supervision of the Ministry of Social Welfare and the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs.
Upon entering the daycare center, the head of government, Tarique Rahman, immediately blended in with the children. In an instant, the little ones surrounded him. Some reached out to shake his hand, while others pulled him toward their toys. A few were eager to show off their hand-drawn drawings. The Prime Minister looked at everything with deep attention and praised them with a warm smile. Sometimes he gently patted their heads, and at other times, he laughed out loud at their innocent chatter.
Some of the children called the Prime Minister "Uncle," while others called him "Mama" as they approached to chat. That pure, unconditional affection from innocent minds perhaps brought back memories of his own long-lost days. The memories of running around in childhood, playing playfully with friends, and the small demands of an innocent mind all seemed to return through the children's pure smiles.
At one point, a cake-cutting ceremony was organized, which heightened the children's excitement. The little faces gathered around the cake with the Prime Minister. Pointing at the cake, the Prime Minister asked, "Whose birthday is it today, tell me?" A few children piped up, saying, "Uncle, it's mine! Uncle, it's mine!" The Prime Minister smiled and replied, "Today is everyone's birthday."
Afterward, the Prime Minister cut the cake with the children. As the cake was being cut, the children joyfully chanted, "Happy day, Happy Birthday!" They fed pieces of cake to the Prime Minister with their own hands, and the Prime Minister affectionately fed them back. He also personally distributed various chocolates, toffees, lollipops, and gift bags to the children. The entire scene was filled with affection, warmth, and an expression of pure love.
After the cake-cutting ceremony, as the Prime Minister was leaving, the children waved their hands and offered their salams to say goodbye. Amidst the innocent smiles and love of the children, the Prime Minister seemed to forget the heavy realities of his responsibilities for a brief moment.
The Minister for Social Welfare, Professor Dr. A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain, and officials concerned briefed the head of government on various aspects of the daycare center. The Minister of State for Land, Mir Mohammad Helal Uddin, was also present at the time.
Mahiya Tasnuv Tamanna, an official at the daycare center, explained to the Prime Minister how the children are cared for at the facility. During this time, the Prime Minister inquired about the types of food provided to the children.
Minister Professor A.Z.M. Zahid Hossain informed journalists that the Ministry of Women and Children Affairs operates these daycare centers. There are 20 such daycare centers across the country, including in Dhaka.
He added that children aged between 4 and 6 years receive services for ten and a half hours a day at this center. The capacity of this center is 60 children, and 55 were present today.
