A.S.M Riad Arif writes for DOT :
After the General Election on 30 December 2018, the country got a new Government and the cabinet will ready to take oath led by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. This time the ruling Awami league has secured a third successive term after winning the 11th general election by a landslide. So our expectation level is now very high from the Government for a better Bangladesh. Though, the Awami league promises progress and prosperity in their election manifesto. They had already promise zero tolerance for corruption, alleviate poverty, create employment, ensure service-oriented and accountable administration, and put more focus on infrastructure development.
Their manifesto titled “Bangladesh on March towards Prosperity” focuses on 33 sectors to be dealt with two strategic plans — the SDG and Delta Plan 2100, that is really great but there are more to add.
Beside the various ongoing infrastructural Developments projects we need a true cultural and social Development for our Country.
From the beginning of the 21st century, our society had to march through a massive change because of technological innovation. But it creates a cultural gap and weak our societal values. Our nation must need a range number to enlighten people and how can we be enlightened without reading habit? The government should need a master plan for developing the reading habit. I propose at least one public library for each of the villages.
From the last three or four decades, we have not seen an ideological move or movement at a large scale. We are now facing an ideological emptiness because our youth are sleeping and busy with their gadgets. It’s the high time for the Government to fill up the gaps by taking necessary activities. Development does not mean structural improvement only. Some indicators of development cannot be seen but these are very important aspect for society. The Government must think on increasing the potentiality of the youth. They are now highly addicted to technology. We are losing our reading habit gradually. Developing a good reading habit is vital for a progressive country. Reading develops the mind and imagination power that help people to discover new things and improve their analytical ability.
The government should establish public library at the village level under its cultural and education ministry. They can also build a library near the Rail station and Bus stops where people idly pass their time. Reading habits reduce social violence and social decadence. It will also build harmony among the citizen of the nation.
We expect the Government will increase fund in Research sectors. Now only a less research is happening at public Universities including the University of Dhaka. The glory of Dhaka University is decreasing day by day. Government should lead the rebirth of Dhaka University. In the fiscal year of 2018-19, Dhaka University had a Tk 741.13 crore budget with only 4.9 % allocation for research while it spends 71.91% for wages and pensions of teachers and staff. The government should sanction a good budget in the publication sector. Many of the bright researchers, scientists or academic of our country left the country because of the lack of facilities. The new Government should encourag them to come back here and work for their motherland. Education sector must not be politicized. The appointment of Universities Vice-chancellors and Faculty must be fair and according to the merit and creativity.
Government can establish branches of Bangla Academy countrywide and take important initiative to publish some quality books of our history and culture. The government must stop the series of question paper leaks. We see a great improvement for the infrastructure of Educational Institute from the last few years. Now, most of the high schools and primary of the country are Four-stored building. But we don’t have a range number of quality teachers. A huge corporation will happen during the teacher recruitment process at non-Government high schools and colleges all over the country. I believe the Government will take action in this sector. Another important challenge for the Government is to ensure a healthy environment of progressive student politics and make control over ‘Chattra league’. The government also concentrates its party and supporter at the local level. Many of the local leaders of Awami league may destroy Government’s Good and clean image.
The achievements of the Government in the last two terms were huge. Bangladesh is still a Developing country with limited economy and resources so Government should ensure the best possible use of its budget. We hope a better Bangladesh and a progressive society under their leadership.
The Writer is graduated from South Asian University, New Delhi under SAARC Silber jubilee Scholarship. Can be reached through riad.arif1952@gmail.com
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