Opportunities for youth could eliminate extremism
Creating widespread opportunities for the youth to show their potentials could eliminate extremism from society, speakers at a festival celebrating communal harmony said yesterday.
Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) organised the two-day Sampreeti Utshab (harmony festival) at Bangabandhu International Conference Center, with an aim to battle radicalisation and extremism in the country.
Speaking as chief guest, State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel said, “As a result of the government’s right decision at the right time, it has become possible to control extremism.”
In her inaugural speech, MJF Executive Director Shaheen Anam said, “Respecting others’ opinions and tolerance could keep everybody away from extremism.”
Urging youths from all religious identities to come forward, she said, “Not only donor organisations, but also the youth of the country have the responsibility to build the nation.”
Kazi Maruful Islam, professor of development studies at Dhaka University presented a study on “Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism in Bangladesh”.
Between 1999 and 2016, there were 67 violent incidents in the country, Prof Maruful mentioned in his study. During the period, some 301 people died while 2,103 people were injured in incidents of violent extremism.
Citing data from Police Headquarters, he said some 3,676 people were arrested as of October 2017 in connection with militancy. “Different initiatives from the state and non-state development organisations have proved fruitful to curb religious extremism.”
The first day of the festival included roundtable discussions among teachers and students of different schools and madrasas, exhibition, and cultural programme.
On the second day today, law enforcement officials and media personalities will take part in separate sessions at the same venue. The festival is open for all.
The Sampreeti project is currently operating in six districts of Dhaka division, and works to create tolerance among students of colleges, universities and madrasas.
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