Avoid extravagant inauguration culture

Your esteemed newspaper recently reported that the foundation plaque of the Kalurghat Rail-cum-Road Bridge will not bear the name of the Honourable Chief Adviser as the inaugurator, rather the project's executing agency's name will only be written in the plaque. This marks a commendable shift from the tradition of self-promotion that often accompanies public project inaugurations in our country.

In Bangladesh, lavish inauguration ceremonies have become a cultural norm, particularly in public and political spheres. These events often seem more focused on showcasing the presence of dignitaries than on the actual purpose of the project - serving the public good. Significant amounts of public funds are spent on these occasions, yet such expenditures are rarely disclosed transparently. In many cases, executing agencies are forced to divert or mismanage resources to accommodate these unproductive costs.

Moreover, it is not uncommon for these events to be delayed due to the late arrival of the chief guest, causing embarrassment for organisers and inconvenience for other guests and stakeholders. In our professional experience, we have witnessed banners bearing long lists of guest names, some of whom never attend. Others feel slighted if their names are omitted or if they are not given an opportunity to speak from the dais. These situations create awkward moments and unnecessary tensions, often overshadowing the purpose of the event itself.

This practice echoes a colonial mindset, where ceremony takes precedence over substance. In contrast, corporate and international programmes are generally conducted with efficiency and minimal showmanship, often focusing solely on the event itself without wasting time or resources.

It is time we moved away from these outdated practices. The true honour lies not in having one's name inscribed on a stone or banner, but in contributing meaningfully to society. Let us respect the public's time and resources by streamlining such events and focusing on the real beneficiaries - the citizens.

Md. Refatul Hossain

Additional Director (retd.)

Department of Agricultural Extension (DAE)

Faridpur Region