NN Online:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has called on young people to become more involved in politics to help realize their aspirations and drive positive change in society.
He made the remarks while meeting a delegation of young political activists from various Norwegian political parties at the State Guest House Jamuna today.
“We are encouraging youth to join politics; without their participation, they cannot actively contribute to policymaking,” Prof Yunus told the visiting delegation.
The Norwegian team included Najma Ahmed, Deputy Leader of the Socialist Youth League; Fawzi Warsame, International Leader of AUF and Central Board Member; Dane Skofterud from the Centre Party; Ola Svenneby from the Conservative Party; Hadle Rasmus Bjuland of the Christian Democrats; Tobias Stokkeland from the Green Youth; and Thyra Hakonslokken, former leader of Young Liberals of Innlandet.
Prof Yunus engaged the delegates in a discussion about their political involvement, visions, and youth participation in Norwegian politics.
In response, the visitors shared their experiences of meeting young people in Bangladesh, noting that many had never had the opportunity to vote. They asked what steps the interim government was taking to ensure the voting rights of Bangladesh’s youth.
“The primary commitment of this interim government is institutional reform,” said the Chief Adviser. “Over the last 15 years, elections have been manipulated. Although authorities presented it as a success, in truth, the people were deprived of their right to vote.”
He added that reforming the electoral and administrative systems is crucial to ensuring that young people can fully participate in democratic processes.
Describing the political environment in Bangladesh as “old-fashioned,” Prof Yunus said the interim government’s main challenge is to clean up the inherited dysfunctions and build a new structure from the remnants.
“This is a transitional period for us. The challenge lies in creating a new beginning from the rubble. I just hope this transition will be short,” he concluded.
