Syeda Rizwana Hasan, Advisor to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change and the Ministry of Water Resources, has emphasized the urgent need for building national consensus on reforms to ensure governance reflects the aspirations of the people.
Speaking at the inaugural session of the National Dialogue 2024, held under the theme "Unity, Reform, Elections," at the Krishibid Institution Auditorium in Dhaka, Rizwana Hasan underscored the importance of unity and compromise in achieving meaningful reform, read a press release.
She stressed that reforms should encompass communal harmony, political accountability, and the inclusion of younger generations in governance, with public participation being crucial to this process. "We must be prepared to compromise and avoid treating one another as adversaries while deciding what reforms are needed, who will implement them, and the timeline for these changes," she remarked.
Rizwana Hasan cautioned against backing away from necessary reforms, stating that failure to meet public expectations could lead to political instability. She highlighted the importance of collective responsibility for reforms, adding that simply drafting changes on paper is insufficient; practical implementation is essential to ensure tangible benefits for the public.
Addressing leadership and governance, she emphasized that leadership is a responsibility, not a privilege, and called for a mindset shift alongside structural changes. She noted that while there is broad acknowledgment of the need for reform, entrenched political norms and inequalities will require persistence and patience to overcome.
Expressing optimism about youth leadership, Rizwana Hasan said, "I am hopeful about the youth. They bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to change. However, real transformation is a process that requires both legal frameworks and sustained effort." She emphasized the role of both youth and experienced individuals in driving the change.
She also lauded the government's initiatives, including proposed reform commissions, expressing confidence that public engagement would grow once commission reports are made available. She noted that effective reforms would benefit current and future political leaders by clarifying public expectations and ensuring responsive governance.
Concluding her remarks, Rizwana Hasan acknowledged the challenges on the road to national unity but reiterated that the ultimate goal must be to reflect and fulfill the aspirations of the people.
