Dhaka, Oct 29 (V7N)- Planning Advisor Dr. Wahiduddin Mahmud has said that ongoing discussions over elections and consensus must now come to a conclusion so the nation can move forward through collective responsibility.

“There are discussions everywhere about elections and consensus. We have to stop all this and reach a position where everyone can fulfill their responsibilities and take the country forward,” he said while addressing a youth seminar on Wednesday (October 29) afternoon.

Dr. Mahmud emphasized that the youth are essential for building a democratic Bangladesh, noting that the country’s future leadership must emerge from among the young generation.

He warned that the interim government could eventually be held responsible for creating a negative political culture, citing the frequent movements and road blockades that cause public suffering. “These are bad aspects of our political culture,” he said, while expressing optimism that such issues will fade over time.

Referring to the events of the July coup, Dr. Mahmud said a sense of moral and social awareness has emerged, which could pave the way for educated and conscious leadership in politics.

Highlighting the country’s youth-dominated population, he added, “These young people will have to build the country in the next two decades. Now is a golden opportunity for everyone. The youth are awakening — they have seen fascism, so they will focus on democracy.”

Dr. Mahmud also noted that many young people want to contribute to the nation but lack direction. “The restlessness among youth partly stems from the psychological impact of the atrocities they witnessed during the July coup,” he observed.

END/SMA/AJ