Bangladesh Public Academy Holds its 1st General Meeting

Dhaka, 22 November 2024 – The Bangladesh Public Academy (BPA) held its much-anticipated 1st General Meeting on 22 November 2024, at the Poet Sufia Kamal Conference Hall of the Bangladesh National Museum in Dhaka. The event, which brought together hundreds of registered members of the Academy, also featured an esteemed panel of guest speakers from various fields, including academics, journalists, civil society leaders, and grassroots representatives. The meeting focused on crucial issues related to social justice, the rule of law, gender equality, the education system, and other social and political crises facing the nation.

A Landmark Event for Public Engagement

The gathering marked a significant milestone for BPA, an organization committed to fostering dialogue, civic engagement, and accountability in Bangladesh. With its mandate to promote social justice, transparency, and the active involvement of citizens in public life, the General Meeting provided a platform for thoughtful discourse on the challenges and opportunities facing the country.

The event began with an opening address by Professor Abul Kashem Fazlul Haque, the President of Bangla Academy. He praised BPA for its efforts to bring together a diverse cross-section of the community to engage in meaningful conversations about the state of the nation. He emphasized the importance of institutions like BPA in upholding the values of democracy and governance.

“Bangladesh’s strength lies in its people, and it is through open dialogue and collaboration that we can address the pressing issues of our time,” said Professor Haque. “This is an important platform for civic participation and an opportunity to voice concerns about our nation’s future.”

A Robust Discussion on Social Justice and Gender Equality

The first session of the meeting focused on social justice and the rule of law, with contributions from a diverse group of speakers. Professor Kamrul Ahsan, the Vice Chancellor of Jahangir Nagar University, spoke at length about the state of governance in Bangladesh and the challenges in ensuring accountability within public institutions. He called for greater transparency in government dealings and the establishment of a robust system that holds officials accountable.

“True democracy requires not only the right to vote but also the right to hold our leaders accountable for their actions,” Professor Ahsan noted. “We must address the gaps in governance that perpetuate inequality and injustice in our society.”

Professor Kamrul Hassan Mamun, from the Physics Department at University of Dhaka, joined the conversation by discussing how scientific advancement and education could be pivotal in bridging the socio-economic divide in Bangladesh. He urged for an overhaul of the educational system, one that would emphasize critical thinking and inclusive growth, rather than rote memorization.

Addressing gender equality, Professor Tasneem Siraj Mahboob, from the English Department of University of Dhaka, highlighted the persistent gender disparities in education and the workplace. “Gender equality is not a women’s issue; it is a societal issue,” she stated, stressing that empowering women and girls through education and equal opportunities is essential for the country’s progress.

The conversation was further enriched by the insights of Sohrab Hasan, Joint Editor of the Daily Prothom Alo, who discussed the role of the media in promoting social justice. He emphasized that journalism has a vital role to play in exposing inequality, corruption, and violations of the rule of law. Hasan underscored the importance of a free and independent press in maintaining the integrity of democratic processes.

Voices from the Grassroots: Farmers, Workers, and Small Entrepreneurs Speak Out

The event also included personal testimonies from individuals whose lives are directly affected by social and economic policies. Farmer Mr. Sanowar Hossain, garments worker Najma Begum, and small grocery  business operator Rina Begum shared their experiences, shedding light on the struggles faced by working-class and rural communities.

Mr. Hossain, a farmer from a rural area, spoke about the economic challenges faced by farmers, particularly in accessing fair prices for their produce, the impact of climate change on agriculture, and the need for more government support for rural development.

“Farmers are the backbone of our country’s economy, but we are often left behind when it comes to policies that support our livelihoods,” Mr. Hossain said. “We need a government that listens to us and creates policies that reflect our struggles.”

Najma Begum, a garments worker, gave a powerful account of the working conditions in Bangladesh’s garment industry, where many workers still face unsafe environments, low wages, and lack of labor rights protections. “We work long hours under difficult conditions, but our voices are rarely heard,” she said, calling for better labor rights enforcement and wage increases.

Similarly, Rina Begum, a small business operator, spoke about the difficulties faced by small entrepreneurs in navigating bureaucracy, accessing loans, and competing with larger businesses. “Small businesses are the lifeblood of our economy, but we often struggle to survive,” she explained.

These grassroots voices underscored the need for inclusive policies that address the concerns of marginalized communities and foster economic justice for all.

A Call for Education Reform

One of the most pressing topics of discussion during the meeting was the state of Bangladesh’s education system. Sahanwar Syed Shaheen, a Senior Reporter at Daily Kaler Kontho, provided an analysis of the limitations and gaps in the current education system, including issues like outdated curricula, lack of resources, and regional disparities in educational access.

“Education is the foundation upon which a society is built, yet our system is failing to equip young people with the critical skills they need to thrive in the modern world,” Shaheen remarked. He called for comprehensive education reform that would focus on quality, accessibility, and relevance to contemporary needs.

Moving Forward: The Way Ahead for BPA

As the meeting concluded, Mohiuddin Mohammad, the founder of Bangladesh Public Academy, addressed the assembly, reiterating the academy’s commitment to providing a platform for open dialogue, fostering social justice, and advocating for meaningful change. He emphasized the importance of collective action and urged all attendees to contribute their knowledge, expertise, and experiences in order to address the nation’s most urgent challenges.

“The conversation does not end here,” Mohiuddin Mohammad declared. “BPA is a place where dialogue must continue—where citizens, intellectuals, journalists, and activists work together to build a more just and accountable society.”

The 1st General Meeting of Bangladesh Public Academy was a resounding success, offering an inspiring platform for cross-sectoral dialogue and a call to action for all citizens to engage in the democratic process. As BPA moves forward, the organization is poised to play a central role in addressing the key challenges facing Bangladesh’s future, creating a space where ideas, voices, and solutions can converge to shape a better tomorrow.