Dhaka: Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus today urged young people to participate more in political activities to translate their dreams into realities and bring meaningful changes to their respective societies. The Chief Adviser made the call when a group of young political activists from different political parties of Norway called on him at the State Guest House Jamuna here.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the Chief Adviser addressed the importance of youth involvement in politics, emphasizing that without their active participation, they cannot play a significant role in policymaking. The visiting Norwegian delegates included Najma Ahmed, deputy leader of the Socialist Youth League; Fawzi Warsame, international leader of AUF and member of the Central Board; Dane Skofterud, member of the Centre Party; Ola Svenneby, member of the Conservative Party; Hadle Rasmus Bjuland, member of the Christian Democrats; Tobias Stokkeland, member of the Green Party-affiliated group Green Youth; and Thyra Hakonslokken, former leader of Young Liberals of Innlandet.
Prof Yunus engaged with the delegates, inquiring about their political backgrounds, visions, and activities. He showed interest in the level of youth participation in Norway’s mainstream politics. The Norwegian activists shared their observations from meeting young people in Bangladesh, noting that many young Bangladeshis had never had the opportunity to vote.
They questioned what measures the interim government of Bangladesh was undertaking to ensure voting rights. The Chief Adviser responded by highlighting the government’s commitment to systematic reforms, pointing out that for the last 15 years, a fake voting system had been in place, which rendered many unable to vote. He stressed the necessity of institutional reforms to guarantee that young people could exercise their voting rights.
Describing the country’s political environment as “old-fashioned,” Prof Yunus commented that the main challenge for the interim government was to address the issues it had inherited. He spoke of the task of creating a new structure from the remnants of the old system as a significant challenge during this transitional period, expressing hope that the transition would be brief.