Dhaka: Speaker of the Jatiya Sangsad Hafiz Uddin Ahmad, Bir Bikrom, emphasized that the population is one of the greatest assets of a country, and Bangladesh must transform its population into human resources by leveraging the opportunities of the demographic dividend. He asserted that development extends beyond mere economic indicators and should aim to enhance the quality of life for the population.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Speaker made these remarks while addressing a policy dialogue titled 'Three Dividends, One Window: A Parliamentary Dialogue on Population and Development in Bangladesh,' held at the oath room of the Jatiya Sangsad. The Bangladesh Parliament Secretariat organized the dialogue under the SPCPD project with technical assistance from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA).
Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal MP chaired the program, while Parliament Secretariat Secretary Barrister Md Golam Sorwar Bhuiyan delivered the welcome address. The Speaker highlighted the interconnected nature of demographic, gender, and longevity dividends, stressing the need for coordinated policy planning.
He emphasized that formulating policies alone is not enough to realize plans; legislation, reforms, effective budget use, and accountability are also necessary. He urged members of parliament to implement policies in their constituencies and to ensure that every citizen has access to development opportunities.
The Speaker also pointed out the importance of providing women with access to education, healthcare for the elderly, and employment opportunities for the youth. Deputy Speaker Barrister Kayser Kamal underscored the youthful composition of Bangladesh's population, emphasizing the importance of skills development for the youth to ensure the country's progress.
He mentioned the role of elected representatives in policy-making and urged the government to prioritize developing skilled human resources and facilitating the employment of qualified workers abroad. The dialogue highlighted the necessity for specific policy measures to harness the three distinct economic opportunities arising from changes in Bangladesh's population structure.
Key discussions centered around 'Bangladesh's Demographic Opportunity: Potential, Time and Risks.' The program was attended by members of parliament, representatives of UNFPA and the SPCPD project, officials from the Ministry of Planning, and senior officials of the Parliament Secretariat.