Savar, Jan 25, (V7N) - Sharmeen Murshid, Advisor to the Ministry of Women and Children’s Affairs, commented that the country has experienced misrule for the past 50 years. She also mentioned that the slogans raised by the youth today are directed against the older generation. According to Murshid, the reason for the current situation is that those in power, whether in office or outside, have allowed injustice to flourish, leading to the current state in 2024.
 
Murshid made these remarks on Saturday, January 25, 2025, during the 18th National Youth Conference of “Youth Ending Hunger Bangladesh” at the PHC Auditorium of the Gonoshashtho Kendra in Savar.
 
The event was attended by prominent figures such as Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar, the editor of Shushashoner Jonno Nagorik (SUJAN) and the head of the Election System Reform Commission, and Prashant Tripura, Interim Country Director of The Hunger Project Bangladesh.
 
Murshid said, "The issues left unresolved since 1971 are what led to the situation in 2024. After the Liberation War of 1971, many things were left undone, and we, the freedom fighters, were unable to build what we had hoped for." She expressed the need to settle the unresolved matters that had affected the nation’s development.
 
Regarding poverty, she emphasized that no one should accept poverty as their reality. "I believe it is possible to eradicate poverty by first removing it from our minds and overcoming the reasons that cause it," she said. "When we change our perspective, we will see ourselves as wealthy with intellect, skills, and resources to change the world."
 
Murshid also addressed the youth, urging them to love their country and honor its flag. She stated, “In 2024, our children have learned to love this country, respect the flag, and will now begin building the nation where we failed. The future belongs to them, and they will continue the work we started in 1971 to create a free, just society.”
 
She added that the events of 2024 should be seen as part of the ongoing Liberation War. "If we falter now, another generation will rise against us, just as we once rose against those before us."
 
During the conference, Dr. Badiul Alam Majumdar spoke about the lack of freedom of speech, voting rights, and human rights during Sheikh Hasina’s tenure. He pointed out corruption, embezzlement, money laundering, and bank fraud, calling the country a "paradise for corruption." He stressed that for true governance and democracy to function, there must be unity among all citizens.
 
Prashant Tripura, the Interim Country Director of The Hunger Project Bangladesh, highlighted the role of the youth in fighting all forms of inequality and striving for democracy. He acknowledged the youth’s efforts in challenging social injustices and contributing to small yet impactful changes in society.
 
The conference, themed "With Youth's Resolve, We Will Eradicate Discrimination and Build a Bangladesh of Good Governance and Unity," saw participation from over 800 young volunteers. The event featured cultural performances and regional debates. Additionally, the book I Saw a Revolution by Kathy Burke was launched during the conference, and a new 11-member National Forum Committee was formed for the upcoming year.
 
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