Remarks referencing Zaima to schoolchildren made well before election: Milon

A video clip of Education Minister ANM Ehsanul Hoque Milon speaking with schoolchildren referencing Zaima Rahman has recently gone viral on social media, drawing criticism from many.

However, the minister clarified today (15 April) that he made the remarks about the prime minister’s daughter well before the February general election and that they have been taken out of context.

In the video, Milon is seen asking children in a school setting, “What is the name of BNP leader Begum Khaleda Zia’s granddaughter?” He is also heard saying, “When you grow up, you will do politics with Zaima Rahman.”

The clip sparked criticism online recently, with many questioning such political discussions with children.

Speaking at a meeting on the SSC examinations at Sylhet’s Jalalabad Gas auditorium this morning, the minister addressed the issue while meeting exam centre secretaries and officials of the Sylhet Education Board, the Madrasah Education Board and the Technical Education Board.

He said the video clip is from an earlier time and was recorded much before the election, when the “fascist government” was in power.

Milon also claimed that he is often subjected to unnecessary criticism on social media.

He stated that he is being heavily criticised on Facebook over issues such as management committees and the decision to cancel the admission lottery system, which has led to “trolling” against him.

The minister said that under the erstwhile “fascist government,” he visited his area and told children, “You have to make Zaima prime minister.” 

“Because what if they make Putul [Sheikh Hasina’s daughter Saima Wazed] the prime minister?” he added.

He explained that he made the remarks in that political context well before the election, adding that he is now being criticised for them.

He went on to say that people can dream about future prime ministers, noting that they once dreamed Tarique Rahman would become prime minister and that “dream has been fulfilled.” 

The minister added that Zaima could also become prime minister and that he may live to see it.

He also said that Dhaka University teachers post “minister failure” comments without verifying information, adding that teachers have now started “checking ministers’ copies.”