Former Foreign Minister of Bangladesh, Dr. Kamal Hossain in his quest for peace and justice in South Asia, with particular reference to Pakistan and Bangladesh, had pinned all hopes on the youth of the region. In his presentation “Building a peaceful South Asia in response to the aspirations of all our people at the Pakistan,” at Institute of International Affairs he declared youth as the agents of change in the region.
The program was arranged to pay tribute to late former Co-Chairman of the institute, Fatehyab Ali Khan for his contribution towards democracy, fundamental freedom and rule of law in Pakistan.
Again in specific context of Bangladesh and Pakistan, he said people of the two countries who made a joint effort for a separate country in search of social and economic justice, despite passage of 65 years are yet to be organized and continue to be victims of injustice.
Situation in each South Asian countrywasnot very different, he said and opined that the pre-dominant population of youngsters could play a catalyst role in bringing about a positive change.
He referred to recent UN reports and available statistics showing dismally poor social and economic indicators in the region and rampant discrepancies within the countries like China and India showing double digit growth rates.
“People at large are helpless and it is the youth who could be convinced that no-body else but they have to help themselves,” said Dr. Kamal Hossain, also a former UN Reporter on Afghanistan and currently a member of the UN.
The constitutional right to vote given to people of 18 years of age and above could be the harbinger in bringing about the much needed social change in our societies where justice and equity must prevail and people have the access to water, health, education.
Here, he said great responsibility lies upon media to play its role to raise awareness and facilitate youth in particular and people in general in making “informed and right choice.” Dr. Kamal Hossain, however, regretted that media appeared to be quite manipulative.
With elections fast approaching in many of the South Asian countries it was perhaps the time that intelligentsia plays their role through different forums, including media, and talk about real development, that was development at the bottom of the pyramid,” he said. Dr. Masuma Hasan on the occasion introduced Dr. Kamal Hossain and also referred to struggle made by Fatehyab Ali Khan (late) as a student leader in 1950s and as a committed political worker for restoration of democracy in late 1970s and 1980s.
