Dhaka: Information and Broadcasting Minister Andaleeve Rahman has emphasized the necessity for good and honest individuals to enter politics to ensure the sustainability of the country's development and progress. He made these remarks while addressing a seminar titled "Barishal Division of Tomorrow: Prospects and Things to Do," organized by the Barishal Divisional Journalists Association (BDJA) at the LD Hall of the Jatiya Sangsad.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Chief Whip of the Jatiya Sangsad Nurul Islam Moni also addressed the seminar as the chief guest. Minister Rahman stressed that the country's developmental aspirations would not be sustainable without the presence of good politicians in leadership roles. He highlighted a significant leadership crisis in the country over the past 17 years, where many capable young individuals have distanced themselves from politics, leading to a growing distrust among the populace toward politicians. This sentiment, he noted, extends even to the children of many politicians who are reluctant to pursue political careers.
Minister Rahman drew an analogy, comparing the need for good leadership in politics to the necessity of a skilled chef in preparing quality food, emphasizing that sustainable progress cannot be achieved without competent leaders. He praised Barishal for its rich heritage and contributions to various fields, including politics, since the Pakistan period and post-independence era, noting that the region has produced many influential leaders.
He underscored the importance of nurturing good political leaders to transform Barishal into a model city and stressed that encouraging talented young men and women from Barishal and surrounding areas to participate in politics is crucial. A supportive environment must be created to facilitate their entry into politics, he added.
Minister Rahman warned that without producing capable political leaders for future generations, sustainable development would remain elusive, a challenge not confined to Barishal but prevalent throughout Bangladesh. He acknowledged that while infrastructure development, gas supply, and industrialization are forms of progress, the country now requires quality and sustainable development driven by good leadership.
Highlighting past leaders like Sher-e-Bangla A K Fazlul Huq from Barishal, he called for the emergence of qualified and capable leadership from the region in the future. He encouraged the nation's most talented and educated youth to consider politics as a means to effect positive change, alongside pursuing careers as doctors, engineers, lawyers, and software engineers or seeking opportunities abroad. Such a shift, he asserted, would initiate a positive transformation for the country.