Dhaka, March 26 -- Primary and Mass Education Advisor Bidhan Ranjan Roy Poddar has said there can be no hope for "long-term peace" in the country if "discrimination cannot be reduced".

Speaking at an event at the Primary Teacher Training Institute (PTI) in Dhaka's Mirpur on Wednesday, he said: "As long as we fail to reduce disparity, as long as we do not fulfil the fundamental needs outlined in our Proclamation of Independence and the Constitution-food, clothing, shelter, healthcare, and education for all-we cannot hope for lasting peace."

"It is our collective duty to work towards this from our respective positions. It is essential for our own well-being."

The primary and mass education ministry said in a statement that the event was ...