Emphasising the importance of building a national consensus on reforms, Environment Adviser Syeda Rizwana Hasan has said that public participation is crucial to achieving this goal.
“If we fail to align with the people’s expectations, we will constantly find ourselves in political discomfort and complications,” she said.
For all latest news, follow The Daily Star’s Google News channel. She was speaking at the first session of the National Dialogue 2024, held under the theme “Unity, Reform, Elections” and titled “Which Path to Unity,” at the Krishibid Institution Auditorium in Dhaka yesterday.
The adviser also said that achieving national consensus may require some compromises, and we must be prepared to make them.
She said that unity is essential in various areas, including communal harmony, political reform, and ensuring the inclusion of the younger generation’s aspirations in governance.
The adviser remarked that agreement on reforms should not result in treating one another as adversaries. Decisions on what reforms are necessary, who will implement them, how they will be carried out, and within what timeframe must be made.
She stressed that backing down from reforms is not an option, as broad cooperation is needed to ensure public opinion is reflected in these changes. Failure to meet public expectations will lead to repeated political instability and complications.
Addressing the broader responsibility for change, she noted that it is not just the task of an interim government but a collective obligation. Merely drafting reforms on paper will not suffice; these changes must be practised to benefit the public.
Leadership changes alone are not enough without a shift in mindset. We must internalize that leadership is about responsibility, not power, and commit to fulfilling these responsibilities.
She also underscored the importance of public engagement in governance, noting that although the need for reform is widely acknowledged, the path forward remains challenging.
She warned that breaking away from entrenched political norms or eliminating inequalities will not happen overnight. Patience and persistence will be essential.
Rizwana said, “I remain optimistic and hopeful about the youth. Major changes are likely to come from them because they bring fresh perspectives and innovative approaches. However, change is a process that cannot be achieved solely through new laws. Training ourselves to sustain this process is vital, and both youth and experienced individuals have roles to play.”
She concluded by expressing confidence in the government’s initiatives and reform commissions, stating that public engagement would follow once commission reports are received.
The chief adviser has also proposed forming a commission to build consensus.
She added that effective reforms would benefit current and future political leaders by clarifying public expectations and ensuring responsive governance. Although the road to unity is challenging, the ultimate goal is to reflect the aspirations of the people.