Are youths aware of their rights?

To be aware of rights, especially political ones, is important for the people. Most importantly for the youths, as it propels them to affirm their freedom of speech. It also facilitates upholding justice for every citizen, and assures accountability, that directs a country to be operated on the right track. Political awareness is also apt for the openness and practices of democracy, which ultimately sways to a balanced nation in terms of order and responsibility, that can make a country or a political party confer the basic human rights of the indigenous dwellers.

Currently, the residents of Bangladesh are becoming more aware of their political rights, and the youths are on the frontline of that new dimension, which is significant to the whole country. Especially after the July Revolution, the demand for real democracy became congenial to the people, as they perceived that they would be deprived of all basic human rights without attaining the emancipation of speech and the right to protest against discrimination.

Inequality at the stage of wealth distribution will also be highly imbalanced and suspicious if there is no proper accountability, which incurs further discrimination. Moreover, the tendency to remain silent inspires the rulers or autocratic regimes to run the brutal steamroller on the people.

Towhidul Islam Shayed is the one of the coordinators of the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and the student representative of the Special Task Force for Daily Commodity Prices Reduction. He shared his opinions regarding why political awareness is important for youths. He said, "We should talk about the activities of different political parties to make them accountable to the people. If we do not comment on their work, then the proper evaluation may not happen."

"As we did not criticise their evil tasks before, they got the chance to misuse their power and involve themselves in corruption. So, I strongly believe that if general people, especially the young generation become aware of the government policies and activities, the country will be run properly," he added.

Rayhan Ahmed Tamim is an activist and freelance journalist. He said, "The young generation is the future of Bangladesh. They can contribute to the welfare and practices of democracy through their constructive opinions, voting, movements, and raising voices against discrimination. Also, youths are comparatively more updated in the field of Information Technology (AI) than others, which can be used to bring new concepts and reformation for the betterment of the country."

He further said, "I think people consider political rights to be involved in any political party, which is wrong. Rather, involving in any particular political party is a different concept, which is completely a person's willingness. But political awareness is needed for everyone, which makes a person raise their voice against discrimination, involved in development activities, and take part in logical movements. I also practise my political rights through these ways, and I believe that the young generation should be aware of these issues."

Political awareness is also significant to make the political leaders practise democracy in their work, as it reminds them that the power is not for infinity, and they must quit if their activities do not satisfy the people. Also, the competitiveness among different political parties was enhanced at that time, and each party tried to draw new work designs for the welfare of the people, which is undoubtedly a good practice, and it assists to do real development in the country.

Aditya Piyash is a writer and activist. He said, "The youths became indifferent to their political rights because of the extreme pressure against freedom of speech, democracy, applying voting rights, and many more during the last regime. They expressed their inner sufferings to the July revolution."

Aditya also said, "Undoubtedly today's young generation is politically aware of the advancement of information technology, as they get the current situation of politics through different social media. As a result, they can evaluate any motion clearly, which also assists them in finding out the truths that also help them to be politically aware. Moreover, different movements, starting from 1952 to now, also work as an inspiration to them which motivate them to work for the betterment of the country this time."

Md Abu Jubayer is a young social activist and an influencer. He said, "Everyone doesn't need to be involved in politics, but every citizen must be politically aware. The phrase 'I hate politics' is a narrative of fascism. If people are kept unaware of politics, it becomes easier to establish fascism."

Jubayer further said, "Politicians often try to keep the young generation busy with those things that easily attract them. Since politicians control not only Bangladesh but also the whole world, it is important for every citizen, especially the youths, to be politically aware, even if it is just to protect their rights."

Political awareness is a demand of this time, which should be continued in every sphere of life, that truly spurs the people not to be exploited by the rulers. The youths should act as protagonists in this regard, which is now being implied in Bangladesh, which is a blessing for the nation. Moreover, the trend to follow this practice in life spontaneously in the upcoming days can be the driving force for Bangladesh to be enriched both morally and economically.

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