Youth involvement in state issues stressed

Speakers at a roundtable emphasised increasing involvement of the youth in all sectors to ensure accountability in public welfare issues.

At ‘Dhaka Youth Priorities’ held at Ascott Palace in the capital, they on Monday pointed out that there is a big gap in communication between government and the youth.

The meeting was organised under the Strengthening Political Landscape project jointly funded by USAID and UKAID and implemented by Democracy International (DI).

Youths from different universities discussed five issues – women and children security, public transport’s problem and solution, physical infrastructure, food adulteration, and terrorism and drug.

They recommended raising awareness among people, formulating updated policies and proper application of law in all sectors and prioritising the youth’s opinion.

Dhaka University student Kamrul Islam said that the administration and political leaders must come forward to ensure social safety.

Dilip Kumar Sarkar, central coordinator of Sushaner Jannya Nagorik, said that many influential people are involved in crimes. “That’s why we see ‘name only’ investigations in various cases. Many criminals are even able to get their names off charge sheet,” he said.

ABM Mosharraf Hossain, training affairs secretary of National Executive Committee of BNP, said, “Now allegations are raised against youths that they are involved in drugs and terrorist activities. The administration must implement the law properly without paying attention to political identities.”

Golam Mohammad Raju, joint secretary general of Jatiya Party, said that government officials should have accountability. “We’ve to eat adulterated food since BSTI officials, at times, certify products after taking bribe,” he claimed.

ABM Reazul Kabir Kawsar, member of Central Working Committee of Awami League, said that Bangladesh is now a role model for its development. “We’ve to increase public awareness about the five issues mentioned here. The young generation should come forward,” he said.

“Preventing food adulteration is the main issue of our election manifesto. Drivers should be educated to bring discipline in the transport sector,” he added.

DI chief Katie Croake said that effective steps should be taken to ensure women and children security, solve public transport problem, develop Physical Infrastructure, prevent food adulteration, and control terrorism and drug.

“We should come forward to solve these vital issues. We have to work more taking your recommendations for development of people’s lives,” she added.