Be proactive to change the existing politics
Eminent personalities have called upon the youth to become proactive to bring changes in the existing political culture and establish good governance in the country.
Mentioning that democracy is not practised by the political parties, they opined that the youth have the potential of bringing changes to such trend.
They said this while responding to questions from youths at a discussion styled "Good Governance: Ensuring Transparent and Accountable Systems" at the Youth Leadership Summit 2012 yesterday.
Bangladesh Youth Leadership Centre (BYLC), the country's first leadership institute, organised the summit at the Bangabandhu International Convention Centre (BICC).
Alexious Butler, director of Office of Democracy and Governance of USAID, Iftekharuzzaman, executive director, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), and Shaheen Anam, executive director, Manusher Jonno Foundation, were the panel discussants while Chairperson of BYLC Manzoor Hasan chaired the discussion.
They also responded to several questions asked by youths including corruption in the public sector, ways to ensure transparency, misuse of student wings, means of demonstration, quota system and appointment of ombudsman.
TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said the country's youths are not only the future of the country but also the past, as they worked as a major force during any historic movement like the Language Movement, the Liberation War and the Democratic Movement.
He said there are discussions going on disappearances, killings and railway-gate scam in different social media, which is more powerful than conventional way of demonstration.
He stressed the need for raising voice to bring back the ombudsman system.
"It's right that there is corruption in the public service. But everyone is not corrupt. The honest persons should be awarded," Iftekharuzzaman said in reply to a question.
Any act or law cannot stop corruption or wrongdoings unless the guilty are punished, he observed.
Director of Office of Democracy and Governance of USAID Alexious Butler said the youth wings of different political parties could play an effective role in meeting people's demands.
She added there is huge responsibility on the youth who can work together to bring changes to establish good governance.
Good governance does not apply to only the public sector; it applies to private sector, civil society and the donors as well, she noted.
The youth will be able to steer Bangladesh to the desired economic growth of the country, said Shaheen Anam, executive director, Manusher Jonno Foundation.
She urged the participants to use the RTI to make the authorities accountable and ensure that public funds are used efficiently.
"The police department, judiciary, and the civil society will not be able to function efficiently if there is no good governance and if we don't follow the basic principles of good governance," said BYLC Chairperson Manzoor Hasan.
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