USAID launches e-learning platform for political leaders

US Agency for International Development’s (USAID) ‘Strengthening Political Landscape’ project’, implemented by Democracy International, has launched an e-learning platform for political leaders.

The platform titled “Politics Matters” (www.politicsmatters.com.bd) will bring political knowledge and skills to the fingerprints of Bangladeshi political leaders and enthusiasts across the country, reads a press release.

US Ambassador to Bangladesh Peter Haas addressed the function at a hotel in the capital on Wednesday while Information and Broadcasting Minister and Awami League Central Joint Secretary Dr Hasan Mahmud, BNP Standing Committee Member Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury, Jatiya Party Presidium Member Barrister Shameem Haider Patwary and Democracy International Chief of Party Dana L Olds also spoke at the event.

Young and mid-level political leaders shared their experiences and recommendations to maximise the Politics Matters website for the benefit of their parties.

Politics Matters offers the following eight courses: Democracy and Elections, Conflict Mitigation, Political Campaign, Community Advocacy and Political Parties, Women’s Political Empowerment, Effective Practices for Political Parties, Political Leadership Development, Training of Trainers. Each of these modules includes animation films, infographics, and quizzes along with reading materials to assist learning.

Using this online platform, political leaders can develop their political skills at their own pace.

Peter Haas laid emphasis on collective efforts to hold free and fair elections in Bangladesh, noting that holding fair elections is a complicated task. 

Sharing the US experience, the envoy said holding free and fair elections is a ‘complicated task’ that requires involvement of every part of the society. 

In her opening remarks, Dana L Olds, Chief of Party, SPL, Democracy International, said, “To combat political apathy and attract more youth and women’s participation in politics and elections, the political culture must improve through ensuring political party members are well trained and driven first by their responsibility to citizens and understand and embrace healthy politics.’’