Youth inclusion must for effective policy making: Speakers

Authorities must ensure youth engagement in decision-making process in order to formulate policies effectively, said speakers at a virtual dialogue. JAAGO Foundation and The Asia Foundation hosted the dialogue bringing youth representatives from 64 districts and multi-party policymakers to voice youth concerns said a press release.

Three panelists from Bangladesh Awami League, Bangladesh Nationalist Party and Bangladesh Jatiya Party were present on the occasion. They encouraged the youth to be involved in the policymaking process and the education system and discussed ways to overcome various problems in the process.

Barrister Nahim Razzaq, Member of Parliament from Shariatpur-3, was present on the occasion. He said, “We have undoubtedly suffered because of the closure of educational institutions. But we don’t know if we are prepared to open institutions yet.” He also added, “We need to have an idea of how much internet is available at the grassroots level and provide them with the internet at a subsidised rate so that everyone can have the same facilities.” He recommended that the people need a different platform or discussion about the present education system, where the responsible authorities or accountable persons can come and talk.

Tabith Mohammed Awal, Member- National Executive Committee, Bangladesh Nationalist Party, was also present at the dialogue. He exclaimed, “Our teachers and authorities should be trained to accept mentally depressed students and help them, and also our schools must be prepared to maintain rules of social distancing.”