Uphold pluralistic values of Bangladesh: Gowher Rizvi to youth
Prime Minister's International Affairs Adviser Dr Gowher Rizvi yesterday said the core aspects of a pluralistic society have to be brought to the fore while working on progress.
“We have to remember that we are a multi-cultural, multi-lingual and multi-religious state,” he said.
He was speaking at the inaugural ceremony of 'Youth Leadership Summit 2018' at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka.
“We have to always remember Bangladesh is pluralistic, and that is our greatest strength,” he said.
Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) has arranged the three-day event with the theme “Desh Amar Dayitto Amar” [my country, my responsibility].
Some 400 youths, including university students and young professionals from different corners of the country, are attending the event, said the organisers. The Daily Star is the strategic partner of the event.
Addressing the ceremony as a keynote speaker, Dr Rizvi said, “We believe in social justice and democracy.”
He urged the country's youth to uphold the spirit of the Liberation War.
“If Bangladesh derails from its principles and the spirit of the Liberation War, then it will no longer remain 'Bangladesh' as we know it,” he said.
On building leadership, he said youths have to be empathetic towards the underprivileged , and consider their necessities.
They have to be able to make sacrifices and demonstrate humanity, he said, adding that Bangabandhu could liberate the country because he could sacrifice his personal interests.
Dr Rizvi advised the young participants not to accept any “inherited wisdom” but challenge it all the time, and only believe in things which are validated by evidence.
He also lauded the organisers for ensuring presence of diverse youth groups at the event.
'FREEDOM OF SPEECH HAS TO BE EARNED'
Attending a session with BYLC President and Founder Ejaj Ahmad in the morning, Bishwa Sahitya Kendra founder Prof Abdullah Abu Sayeed said that the countrymen have to struggle if they want to ensure their freedom of speech.
If freedom of speech is not earned in a day, they have to try for a month… They have to continue trying, even if it requires years, he said.
“No one gives freedom of speech to anyone. It has to be realised,” said Prof Sayeed, while taking part in a question and answer session with the participants.
He said creating successful leadership has become a necessity for making progress.
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