Civil Aviation and Tourism Minister Afroza Khanam has urged newly admitted honours students of Government Debendra College in Manikganj to embrace patriotism and contribute to the country’s development.

She made the call while attending a reception for first-year honours students at the college as the chief guest on Sunday.

The minister said Government Debendra College has been spreading the light of education for 84 years and has contributed to major national movements and events, including the Language Movement, the Liberation War and the July Movement of 2024.

She also said language movement activist Rafiquddin Ahmed was a former student of the institution.

Referring to the legacy of late President Ziaur Rahman, the minister said he had taught the nation how to love the country and called on students to follow the principles of patriotism and work for national development.

“I have come to serve you. I have received your love. Following my father’s ideals, I want to repay that debt of love through the expansion of education in Manikganj and all kinds of development activities,” she said.

Earlier, the minister inaugurated the Shaheed Zia, Liberation War and July Memory Corners at the college.

Manikganj-1 lawmaker S A Jinnah Kabir and senior officials of the district administration were present at the event.