His attitude towards the place went through a total transformation within a few days. Fear and apprehension have been substituted by constant nagging to come here.

Alvee stays at the Secretariat Day Care Centre when both his parents are at work during the day. Not only Alvee, but 40 other children are also spending a good time at the centre run by the Directorate of Women Affairs since 1997.

People may have a misconception that the centre provides service only to government employees as it is situated inside the secretariat premises. But actually it welcomes all working parents to leave their kids. However, the child must have a working mother to be eligible for enrolment.

Here, children are divided in three groups depending on their age. Infants belong to the crèche group while playgroup includes children up to three years. Kids between three and six are considered the pre-school group.

The centre is a two-storied building with spacious rooms. Its rates are much less than other private day care centres in the city. One can enrol a child by paying Tk 250 only and monthly rate for each ward is Tk 300.

"We have kept the rates affordable considering the financial condition of middle class parents," said Shaheen Ara Khatun, the day care officer of the centre.

A normal day at the centre begins with singing of the national anthem once the children arrive in the morning.

"We believe it will ignite patriotism in the children and also teach them discipline," said Shaheen Ara.

Discipline is the key word for the kids but it is never forced upon them. Rather they are encouraged and motivated to enjoy their daily chores together within a routine.

After breakfast, all the children do physical exercises and then the pre-school group goes to the classroom where a teacher awaits them. They begin with learning the alphabet. Others pass their time playing indoor games or learning songs or painting.

Lunch is prepared especially with the kids in mind.

"We make it less spicy to suit the taste of the children," said Khuki Akter who has been working in the centre for last five years. Meat and fish are served twice a week. Eggs are given once, while Thursday is the day for a soft mixture of vegetable and rice locally known as pishpash.

Lemon daily, is a must for the children. This is required fulfil the need of vitamin C. Seasonal fruits are also provided in the afternoon.

Some mothers say that their children are so fond of the food at the centre that they often refuse to eat at home.

After lunch, all the kids are seen frolicking in the open space or enjoying playing on the swing, seesaw etc. until their parents come to pick them up in the afternoon.

Staying at the day care centre never makes the children feel that they are away from home. The kids and 13 staff members live like one big family.

The staff enjoys their responsibilities. "It does not feel like I am doing a job," commented Nilufar Yasmin who has been here for six years. "It's like having a big family," she added.

Children can spend their time in a better atmosphere at the centre than being at home with servants, believe most of the mothers.

"It reduces my anxiety as I know that my child is in good hands when I am at office," said Maleka Begum who works in the LGED department.