Staff Reporter :
Though Bangladesh is widely regarded as a beacon of economic development globally, instances of corruption and criminal activities among the populace have escalated markedly over time, affecting various departments as well as government officials.
The nation’s impressive economic achievements have fostered aspirations of becoming a developed and technologically advanced country by 2041, driving relentless efforts by various government agencies towards this ambitious goal.
However, amidst these advancements lies a stark reality: despite notable economic progress, societal values have largely eroded.
They emphasised the need for establishing a National Integrity Strategy (NIS) across all sectors to prevent corruption.
The Arpan-Darpan Smriti Foundation, addressing ongoing corruption and various types of criminal activities in society, organised a workshop titled ‘Practice of Purity in Primary Education’ on Saturday at the Dhaka Officers Club.
Speakers at the workshop identified four main causes of corruption and criminal activities in Bangladesh: the selfishness and self-centred thinking of the educated class, mutual distrust, and antipathy.
They stressed the importance of addressing these root causes to build a more transparent and ethical society.
The speakers highlighted four basic reasons contributing to pervasive issues in society: free lying among people, lack of patriotism, absence of religious values, and a deficient moral sense.
They stressed that these factors significantly hinder sustainable economic development.
This widespread problem has become akin to a chronic ailment, such as blood cancer, within society. The speakers emphasised that these deep-rooted social and economic challenges demand not just immediate interventions but also a fundamental shift in the collective mindset and perspectives of the people.
Like the comprehensive treatment required for blood cancer patients, achieving meaningful change in our society necessitates a holistic transformation that spans generations rather than relying on short-term measures.
The workshop was attended by participants from various professions, including retired senior government officials, primary school teachers, and NGO representatives. Md. Sohrab Hossain, Chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission, was the chief guest at the first part of the workshop.
He emphasised the importance of practicing good conduct at the primary education level to achieve effective results.
Professor Sharmina Parveen, Chairman of the Arpan-Darpan Smriti Foundation, presided over the event.
Rumana Ali, State Minister of the Ministry of Primary and Mass Education, attended the closing ceremony as the chief guest. She noted that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina aims to ensure good governance, transparency, and accountability in the governance system of the country so that the people can fully enjoy its benefits.
She believes that the proposal to practice purity in primary schools, discussed during the workshop, is timely. Such a programme may soon be announced by the government. However, she noted that there are statutory rules to follow when announcing any government programme. Qazi Kholiquzzaman Ahmad, Chairman of the Dhaka School of Economics, mentioned that if a programme for the practice of purity in primary education, as proposed in the workshop, is announced, it could lay the foundation for creating the “golden man” of Bangabandhu’s dream in the future. He further emphasised that without the establishment of good governance, it is impossible to improve the quality of education.
The workshop also featured speeches from prominent figures, including former Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister Md. Abdul Karim, former Joint Secretary Afroza Parveen, General Secretary of the Dhaka Officers’ Club and former Secretary Mesbah Uddin, and social worker from Meherpur Md. Sirajul Islam.