Editorial
Nobel Prize comes home
Poverty alleviation is now on centre stage of global agenda
As the nation watched Professor Muhammad Yunus accepting the Nobel Peace Prize from the Nobel Committee at Oslo on Sunday evening, the thought dawned on us that what was a national pride has now become a global occasion to celebrate. Though the glitter and the ovation in Oslo came in direct contrast to what is happening in the country at the moment, the fact remains that it is not everyday that the world attention is drawn towards Bangladesh for achieving something that is positive and constructive. As Bangladeshis, today we stand tall in the comity of nations, thanks to the hard work and dedication of Professor Yunus and millions of rural women under the micro-credit programme. We feel it is just the beginning of a new era of more work and achieving more laurels. While we rejoice the occasion we cannot but feel that at the moment there are two sides of Bangladesh, on one a Bangladesh that has won the Nobel Peace Prize in recognition to its innovation, skill and dedication, while on the other we are stuck in a political quagmire. Such lack of consistency and resoluteness in our will and work can certainly pull us back from achieving even greater objectives. We can conquer poverty only when a peaceful environment will prevail throughout the country and when everyone -- political leaders, civil society members, businessmen and development workers will join hands with undivided determination. The time has come to put the agenda of alleviation of poverty on the centre stage of all global thinking and action. The awarding of the prize by the Nobel Committee is a signal that it is as much recognition of individual or institutional contribution, as it is a call for taking the issue up as a global agenda. We call upon all to reinforce our commitment to together build a better Bangladesh.
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