DHAKA, May 11, 2014 (BSS) - Information Minister Hasanul Huq Inu appealed to teachers and guardians to protect students from the conspiracy of militants.

He was speaking as chief guest at a science fair, Olympiad and book fair organized by Monipur High School and College, here, today.

"We want our children to grow up as great people, we do not want them to be militants," Inu said.

Local legislator, Alhaj Kamal Ahmed Majumdar, chaired the function.

Quoting the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, Inu said, "We are human beings first, Bengalis second, religious identity comes after that."

Explaining the statement the minister said, "We are born as humans, then we pick up the language and when we grow a little older, we practice religion."

Addressing those under 18, who had not attained the right to vote, he said that they were the proprietors of the nation in future.

"There are three schools in life: family, educational institution and professional life. Only by acquiring knowledge in all three, with an open mind, we can become a complete human being," he told them.

The Information Minister further said that he is the best teacher who not only teaches but also inspires his wards. "Teachers are role models, so they have to be ideal beings," he said.