Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs, Bangladesh organised a roundtable discussion on "Role of Fathers on Children's Education" on Saturday (27 June 2026), at the National Bahá’í Centre in Dhaka.
Recognising the indispensable role fathers play in shaping the lives and futures of their children, the roundtable discussion brought together educators, child development experts, representatives of civil society, media professionals, and members of the Bahá'í community to exchange ideas and explore ways to strengthen fathers' meaningful engagement in their children's learning and overall development.
Dr. Parviz Shahidi, Prof of Orthopedics, Impulse Hospital, discussed the aspect of spiritual education of children emphasized in the Baha'i Writings and that a person should be educated in such a way that their today must be better than their yesterday.
A human being cannot be limited to intellectual development, they also need spiritual education and it is above rituals in each religion. There must be meaningful spiritual education, that can lighten the purpose of our life.
He quoted Bahaullah "The parents must exert every effort to rear their offspring to be religious, for should the children not attain this greatest of adornments, they will not obey their parents, which in a certain sense means that they will not obey God. Indeed, such children will show no consideration to anyone, and will do exactly as they please. He mentioned that children should be educated to be religious, but not fanatic.
He therefore concluded that "we should teach our children to love everyone in the world irrespective of their religion because the foundation of all religions is one."
Dr. Sayed Saikh Imtiaz, Professor, Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka, discussed the importance of fathers being alert to what their children search and look online and to impart sex education on them to know about right and wrong, because a neglected aspect is exposure to pornographic materials even at local village level among below teens, parents have to have a more practical and have scientific approach. Fathers should understand the beauty of being a father. Fatherhood is a blessing in our lives.
Dr. Mohammad Salim Chowdhury, Associate Professor, (Psychology, & Counselling Psychologist) NAAND, DSHE, MoE discussed about the relationship of children and adolescents with their father. He referred to a research experience, where those who are exposed to harsh behavior during early childhood, practice the same in adult life with their partners. In our society, we physically abuse the boys and deprive the girls of their opportunities. We need to teach them emotional regulation to move closer to humanity.
Dr Syeda Fardina Mehrin, Assistant Scientist, Child Development Unit, Maternal and Child Health Division, icddr,b stated that it is not only mothers who should spend time and look after the education of the children but fathers must play a greater role, as they have wider experience in the society. Traditionally mothers are supposed to be responsible for raising children, but fathers have greater impact on children and need to improve awareness in this regard.
AKM Ashraful Haque, President, Bangladesh English Medium School Parents Forum, stated that learning starts even before birth, in every sense, lack of father's involvement is a loss for children and their responsibility should not end with financial support but playing as role models.
Dr Sheikh Jamal Hossain, Scientist, Child Development Unit, Maternal and Child Health Division, icddr,b mentioned that since he started working at the child development unit, he felt more strongly that he needs to take on the responsibility as a father for his children.
He also mentioned that as a result of the technology, there is a distance between the children and their parents, so they tend to fall apart from the parents, whereas in past, the parents were closer to their children.
Moreover, lack of close relationship between the parents worsens the situation, especially that now we are more focused on economy, though in Islam, it is emphasized to be good humans before collecting wealth.
Md. Jisan Uddin, Assistant Engineer, Bangladesh Agricultural Development Corporation shared his experience as a father and the fact that fathers need to be role models for their children, as children always look up to their parents. In popular belief mother is responsible, and education starts with mother. But child imitates whatever he/she sees, copying is more important than saying. Reading books, bonding with child and spending quality time is more important than buying expensive toys.
S.M. Mulk Uddin, Research Investigator, Child Development Unit, Maternal and Child Health Division, icddr,b stated that in all the religions education has been stressed on. If a child is educated and has good morals, it will be light upon lights. In our society, we think, in the same way we have been reared, we should rear our children, but scientifically we know that hitting children or any form of harsh punishment affects children and we must refrain from it.
He also mentioned about the importance of consultation within the family and parents supporting each other and avoiding any arguments in front of the child. If parents serve the society together, the children learn to be better human beings. Unfortunately, our all stress is on making our children as toppers, not learners. Community can never avoid its responsibility in Educating children.
Fazlul Karim ex-principal of Cadet college discussed the priority in the role of fathers on giving attention to children’s health, education and making sure they inculcate human qualities in them. Role of fathers is a continuous journey.
Nasima Ahmed, accountant, Baha’i national office, discussed the three types of education namely physical, human and spiritual education and the need for all the three to be provided by the parents. She also stressed on the equal rights of men and women, which if practiced in the family would help children respect both genders in future, quoting Abdu'l-Bahá "The world of humanity has two wings—one is women and the other men, not until both wings are equally developed can the bird fly. Should one wing remain weak, flight is impossible".
The program was moderated by Ms. Lubna Yasin, Secretary, The Bahá’í Office of Public Affairs of the Community of Bangladesh and a human rights defender. She concluded the program with some personal experiences and by giving thanks to all.
The event underscores the Bahá’í Community's ongoing efforts to contribute to the national discourse towards building a better Society.
END/ASA
