Dr. Tasnim Zarah: Common People ‘Do Understand’ Reform and Change
Dr. Tasnim Zarah, Senior Joint Member Secretary of the National Citizen Party (NCP), stated that the idea that the general public does not understand calls for reform and change is unrealistic.
She made the remarks while speaking at a discussion titled “The Present State and Future Roadmap of Politics” organized by Nagorik Oikya (Citizen’s Unity) at the Shafiqul Kabir Auditorium of the Dhaka Reporters Unity on Thursday afternoon (October 30).
People Demand Justice and Change
Dr. Zarah emphasized that the public’s grievances are rooted in a clear desire for a different system:
“When we talk to people—in local areas, in courtyards, and tea stalls—they tell us where they are being cheated,” she said. “When a mother asks for justice, when a father says, ‘Why should I pay a bribe of seven lakh takas for my son’s job when I educated him?’—they are fundamentally talking about change, they are talking about reform
She argued that a nexus exists between those in power, politicians, and businessmen, which has created an unequal society plagued by poverty and corruption.
“People understand that they are being deprived of the facilities they are entitled to as citizens,” she asserted. “It is precisely because people understand this that they took to the streets last year against this inequality and injustice. They did not hesitate to sacrifice their lives.”
The Importance of Engaging Youth
The NCP leader also stressed the crucial need for politicians to properly engage the youth:
• Small View of Youth: Dr. Zarah noted a tendency over the last year or so to underestimate the potential of the youth.
• A Call to Action: “We must remember that 57% of our population is under 25 years old. If we fail to involve this massive population in politics, that will be our failure.”
• The Opportunity: She highlighted a “beautiful opportunity” now where young people are becoming politically active, thinking about how they can contribute to and work for the country.
She concluded that it is the responsibility of political leaders to create an environment where these young people can remain actively engaged in the political process.
