Oxford Union debate on Bangladesh

I recently watched an Oxford Union debate on Al Jazeera TV with Dr Gowher Rizvi, International Affairs Adviser to the Prime Minister of Bangladesh.

Bangladesh's economy is growing faster and the interest of the world about the country is on the rise. We achieved lower infant mortality and longer life expectancy over our neighbour India and Pakistan. For Bangladesh, the sky is the limit right now. The anchor Mehdi Hasan is a seasoned debater and he delightfully anchored the programme. Rizvi tried hard to advocate for the Bangladesh government about the election, extrajudicial killings and Rohingya issue. The main question was whether Bangladesh was walking towards a one-party state? The question reflects how our country is considered by the outside world.

Head to Head is a popular programme aired on Al Jazeera TV. Already more than half a million people have watched this programme on YouTube since it was uploaded on March 02. Dr. Gowher Rizvi admitted that without solid footing in democracy, we cannot expect lasting development of our country.

We must address the issues that the international community raised in the programme as the world is a global village and we cannot remain isolated from it.

Masud Rana

Dhanmondi, Dhaka