The Chief Adviser has called for greater participation of youth in politics

ছবিঃ সংগৃহীত

News Desk:
Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged youth to become more actively involved in political activities to help transform their dreams into reality and bring about meaningful change in their communities.

He made this call on Tuesday during a meeting with a group of young political activists from various Norwegian political parties at the State Guest House, Jamuna. The Chief Adviser’s Press Wing issued a statement confirming the discussion.

The Chief Adviser told the visiting political youth delegation, “We are encouraging young people to join politics; otherwise, they will not be able to play an active role in policymaking.”

He inquired about their political backgrounds, perspectives, and activities, and was particularly interested in the percentage of youth participation in Norway's mainstream politics. In turn, the visiting delegates shared their experiences of meeting Bangladeshi youth, many of whom, they noted, have never had the opportunity to vote in their lifetime. They asked what steps the interim government is taking to ensure voting rights in Bangladesh.

In response, the Chief Adviser said, “The key promise of the new government is systemic reform. For the past 15 years, people haven’t been able to vote. A fake voting system operated across three terms. Though authorities claimed success, in reality, no one could vote. So, institutional reform is necessary to ensure that young people can exercise their voting rights.”

Calling the country’s political atmosphere outdated, he added that the primary challenge the interim government faces is clearing the inherited mess. “This is a transitional period for us,” he said. “I hope it will be brief.”

The visiting Norwegian delegation included several young political leaders from diverse parties. Among them were Nazma Ahmed, Deputy Leader of the Socialist Youth League; Fawzi Warsame, International Leader and Central Board Member of AUF; Den Skofterud from the Centre Party; Ola Sevenby representing the Conservative Party; Hadel Rasmus Buland of the Christian Democrats; Tobias Stokland from Green Youth, affiliated with the Green Party; and Thaira Håkons Løkke, the former leader of Young Liberals.