The speakers included former Bangladesh Bank governor Atiur Rahman, State Minister Tarana Halim, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology Professor Dr Zafar Iqbal, cricketer Mehidy Hasan Miraz, autism expert Saima Wazed Hossain and former BGMEA chairman Md Atiqul Islam.
The programme was arranged by the Center for Research Information (CRI) and ‘Ami e Bangladesh’ at city’s Krishibid Institute.
The panelists described their personal views of the Awami League’s election manifesto and exchanged views with the youths.
Tremendous progress
Dr Rahman said Bangladesh’s economic development over the past decade had been “mind boggling.”
“The country’s economy was worth $91 billion in 2008. It has swelled to $285 billion today and will cross $330 billion by 2041,” he added.
He noted Bangladesh’s 34th position in Inclusive Development Index and said the country would be the role model for inclusive development in future.
Women empowerment
Tarana said Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina had ensured women empowerment even at the grassroots.
She drew examples from police, pointing out that there were female deputy inspector general and even female constables in the force.
“The biggest example of women empowerment would be the 2.4 million female RMG workers,” she added.
Tarana attributed the success to Sheikh Hasina’s holistic approach.
“We want to ensure better work environment for women, increase support for female entrepreneurs and abolish discrimination against women upon reelection,” she said.
‘Promise to boost research, education funding’
Dr Iqbal said what he liked most in AL manifesto is the promise of increasing educational and research budget.
He said none of his acquaintances abroad believed that Bangladesh government distributes 400 million books among students for free every year.
He expressed satisfaction about the government’s policy on research funding.
“I’ve been in Bangladesh for 21 years. During this time, I failed to make a single one of my students PhD graduate due to insufficient research funding. That was solved few years ago and six of my students have attained the degree with proper funding for research,” he said.
Dr Iqbal said the most positive part of Bangladesh’s youth is tolerant coeducation at all levels.
‘Vote right party to power’
Former BGMEA chief Atiqul described his past struggles and the obstacles he had faced during his journey towards becoming a successful entrepreneur.
He said the situation for young entrepreneurs had improved significantly under the incumbent government, adding that the AL manifesto offers much more for the young.
Atiqul noted the 381 percent increase in labour salaries over the past decade.
“The government has laid out vision 2041 for youth as well as the Delta Plan 2100,” he said.
He hoped the youth would vote the right party for their betterment and country’s development.
‘Sports facilities better now’
Miraz said he was happy to see a discussion surrounding the young. “It is very assuring to see that the discussion here is for the better future of the youth,” he added.
He recalled his early days in cricket back in 2007, noting that sportsmen back then received limited facilities and faced numerous challenges.
Miraz said the prime minister, who had always been enthusiastic about sports, had fulfilled every commitment she made to the players.
“The young generation will become interested in taking part in game watching our performance. There is no doubt that they will not have to go through the same hassle we did as the facilities under the current government have improved significantly,” the cricketer said.
‘Covering autism in AL manifesto an achievement’
Saima Wazed Hossain said the issue of mental health is never brought up while addressing the development of the country.
“I think the inclusion of mental health and autism issues in AL manifesto is an achievement itself,” she said.
She noted that there was no fixed formula for proper treatment of a mentally challenged person.
“Bangladesh will hopefully show the way in near future once the government implements the plan for helping the mentally challenged,” she said.
Saima Wazed said the answer to removing drug addiction and other social evils lies within the youth and the government will always cooperate with them.
She emphasised the participation of the youth in the national election, encouraging them to be involved in the whole process. She also warned them not to fall for the words on social media saying, “Information from social media requires investigation instead of blind belief.”