Dhaka, 27 October, 2023 – In a pivotal event held at the National Press Club in Dhaka today, the Shadhinota Shangbadik Forum hosted a thought-provoking press conference titled “My Country, My Decision” (Desh Amar, Shiddhanto Amar) at 11 AM. The event brought together esteemed professionals and scholars to engage in an extensive dialogue on Bangladesh’s journey since achieving independence and the critical need for transparent and impartial elections.
Presided by Iqbal Hossain Chowdhury, Former Information Advisor of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the event featured prominent speakers who shed light on various facets of Bangladesh’s progression and the commitment to sustaining prosperity and well-being for its citizens.
Notable individuals included Professor Dr. Mohammad Sazzad Hossain, Member of University Grant Commission (UGC); Justice A.H.M Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Retired Justice, Appellate division; Afzalur Rahman Babu, General Secretary, Bangladesh Shecchashebok League; Syed Didar Bakht, Former Information Minister and Presidium Member of JASAD; Dr. Maolana Abdul Momeen Shiraji, President, Awami League; and Professor Dr. Mohammad Badruzzaman Bhuiyan, Treasurer, Barishal University were present and spoke.
Among others, Monjurul Ahsan Bulbul, CEO, TV Today, Saiful Alam, Editor, Doinik Jugantor, Alamgir Hossain, Editor, Doinik Shamakal, Abdul Jalil Bhuiyan, Former Secretary General, BFUJ, Shakil Ahmed, Executive Editor, Ekattor TV, Sheikh Mohammad Fauzul Mubin, Editor, Press Xpress, Hasanul Ha Inu, Former Information Minister and president of JASAD, Dr. Salim Mahmud, Secretary of Information and Research, Central Executive Committee, Bangladesh Awami League, Shahidul Islam Jhinuk, Information Commissioner and Former IGR and Enamul Hoque Chowdhury, Editor, Daily Sun were present at the event.
Key Highlights of the Conference:
Economic Progress and International Acclaim: Distinguished speakers highlighted Bangladesh’s remarkable economic growth, positioning the nation as the 35th largest economy globally. Encouraging developments such as the substantial increase in the national budget to nearly 500 billion dollars and the ambitious goal of achieving a 1 trillion-dollar economy by 2040 were underscored. Furthermore, the significant reduction in the poverty rate, with a resolute commitment to achieving a 0% poverty rate by 2041, was recognized as a major achievement. International institutions, including the IMF, World Bank, and the UN, lauded Bangladesh as a model for other nations.
Challenges to Sovereignty and Development: Concerns were raised about foreign attempts to influence Bangladesh’s sovereignty, emphasizing the need for transparent and fair elections to protect the nation’s dignity. The speakers reflected on the disruptions caused by various opposition parties and extremist groups following the 2001 election. The detrimental impact of external interference on the nation’s development was a key topic of discussion.
Upholding National Integrity: The conference underscored the pivotal role of responsible journalism in accurately portraying Bangladesh’s progress and preventing misinformation or external manipulation. The importance of maintaining a robust educational infrastructure, with a current education rate exceeding 75% and a 100% enrollment rate for children, was also emphasized.
Statements from Distinguished Speakers:
Iqbal Sobhan Chowdhury, Former Information Advisor of the Prime Minister, highlighted the importance of transparent elections and the preservation of national integrity against external forces.
A.H.M Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Retired Barrister at the Appellate Division, emphasized the need to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence from external interference.
Dr. Mohammad Sajjad Hossain, Member of the University Grants Commission (UGC), encouraged young voters to join the upcoming election and vote responsibly while stressing the role of education in fostering responsible citizenship.
Enamul Haque Chowdhury, Chief Editor of the Daily Sun, stressed the need to maintain a strong developmental trajectory despite potential external challenges.
Dr. Mohammad Badruzzaman Bhuiyan, Treasurer of Barishal University, highlighted the importance of upholding the nation’s sovereignty and the rule of law.
A.H.M Shamsuddin Chowdhury Manik, Retired Barrister at the Appellate Division, emphasized the need to protect Bangladesh’s sovereignty and independence from external interference.
Dr. Maolana Muhammod Abdul Momin Shiraji, President of the Bangladesh Awami Olama League, emphasized the necessity of fair and transparent elections.
Afzalur Rahman Babu, General Secretary of the Bangladesh Shecchashebok League, called for a focus on Bangladesh’s development despite external pressures.
Ashraful Islam, Managing Editor, voiced the need for an accurate representation of Bangladesh’s progress in the media.
Syed Didar Bakht, Former Information Minister and Presidium Member of JASHOD, reiterated the importance of internal unity in the face of external pressures.
The speakers collectively conveyed a unified stance in support of Bangladesh’s continued progress and development while safeguarding its sovereignty and independence. They emphasized the critical role of responsible governance, media, and citizens in upholding the nation’s values and progress.
The event was moderated by Khairul Alam, Joint Secretary of Dhaka Shangabdik Union.
