Build economy where growth shared evenly by all: Dr Yunus

Nobel laureate Dr Muhammad Yunus, who heads a post-uprising reformist government in Bangladesh, has called for building an economy where fruits of technology, economic growth are shared evenly by all people, not monopolised by privileged few.

"As we debate and share our thoughts in this gathering over next few days, I encourage you to think how to build a new world, as our youth have set us on a path to create New Bangladesh," the chief adviser said while inaugurating the 'Bay of Bengal Conversation' in Dhaka on Saturday.

Urging all to 'create a new civilisation' Dr Yunus said this civilisation has failed the inhabitants of the world.

"From environmental perspective alone, it has turned out to be self-destructive civilisation. From economic perspective, it has led to extreme accumulation of wealth," he told the audience about the effete world order.

The microcredit pioneer, however, struck a note of optimism about a change for the better. "I am always a compulsive optimist. I always believe in the power of idea, power of imagination. I keep on insisting if we can imagine together, it becomes irresistible."

With this end in view, Dr Yunus focused on social business, an economic model he expounds. "We need to create a world of three zeros-zero net carbon emission, zero wealth concentration, zero unemployment-by introducing social business to solve people's problems, rather than maximising profit." Zero unemployment can be ensured by "turning young people into entrepreneurs, rather than jobseekers which we do now".

He expresses his conviction that "Nothing is impossible for human beings, if only we pursue it hard enough".

Highlighting the July revolution led by students that brought him to the helm as the head of interim government, he said, "Right here in a city which has experienced a unique political upheaval barely hundred days back.

"This was a student- led revolution to bring down a fascist regime which had ruled the country for last sixteen years. I welcome our international guests to a freshly emerged country, calling herself New Bangladesh to highlight the distance it wants to establish from the old Bangladesh."

He mentioned that nearly 1, 500 students, workers and common demonstrators were killed by the old regime, nearly 20,000 were wounded. He urged the international gathering to pay respect to 'all those who sacrificed their lives, those who lost their limbs, eyes and many physical capacities for the rest of their lives, and those who are struggling with their lives right now'.

The Chief Adviser called upon the foreign guests not to miss an historical opportunity to walk through Dhaka streets, and watch the walls along the streets painted with the colorful paintings expressing the emotions and aspirations of young people, painted while there was a "lull between the killing spree".

"Anybody watching them cannot but be amazed by the power of the expressions young people came up with, right at the killing fields. There was no designer, there was no central planning and nobody was funding it."

About the Bay of Bengal conversation, organised by the Centre for Governance Studies, Dr Yunus said this convention is more than just a meeting of minds, "it's a testament to our shared resilience".

He notes Bangladesh has always been a land of dreams, hard work, and an unbreakable will. It is more so now, as the aspirations of the revolution are fresh in minds.

"It's the work of millions of voices, almost the voices of the entire nation, -voices that have demanded change, voices that continue to push us all to build a future based on human rights, freedom of speech, justice, and inclusion."

He observed that the theme of this year's convention, "A Fractured World," resonates deeply with him.

"We live in times marked by challenges and complexities. Whether it's economic disparity, social injustice, or the threat of climate change, we face issues that are overwhelming.

"And yet, in Bangladesh, we know something about resilience, about facing adversities and creating opportunity from it."

It's a lesson he personally learned decades ago, working with villagers, seeing their courage, and being inspired by their strength.

He mentions that his grassroots-level experiences taught him that every problem has a solution. "Maybe, more than one solution if we have the patience to peel it out, the courage to try, and the persistence to keep going.

"We know what it's like to be punished severely for no fault of yours, to face forces far bigger than ourselves. But we also know that when we come together, when we work as one, we have the power to change the course of history like we have done in Bangladesh 100 days back."

Referring to the adverse impact of climate change on the country he said, "Our region is on the frontlines of climate change. Every year, our coastal communities face rising waters and shifting weather patterns that impact lives, homes, and livelihoods. This crisis is not something that can be put off for another day; it's something that requires our immediate and united action."

Highlighting the prospects of the country he said, "At the same time, we are a region of immense potential. Ours is country of the youth. Out of 171 million people half the population is under the age of 27 years. What a great force! This makes the country very powerful in creativity."

He said the youth of Bangladesh have the power to lead the world in sustainable development, to create models of green growth protecting and promoting the environment. "But this requires cooperation, courage, and an unshakable belief in our shared future."

The Bay of Bengal Conversation (BOBC) is an international geopolitical conference. Chairperson of the CGS Munira Khan presided over the inaugural session of the 3rd edition of BOBC, which was moderated by its Executive Director Zillur Rahman.

Rahman said that over 800 delegates from home and abroad are participating in this year's conversation, titled "Fractured World'.

Foreign Adviser Touhid Hossain in his address cautioned that if the Rohingya crisis cannot be resolved immediately, it may destabilise not only Bangladesh but also the entire region.

He lamented that the regional actors who have the capacity to influence Myanmar to end this problem " failed to do so as they wanted to keep good ties with Myanmar in their own interests".

He sees no light at the end of the tunnel and "I don't think it (Rohingya issue) is going to be resolved very quickly and easily".

Each country has its won interest and "Bangladesh has become a victim of circumstances", the adviser told the opening ceremony of the Bay of Bengal Conversation at a hotel in Dhaka.

Bangladesh is now hosting over 1.3 million Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar and Bhasan Char.

Talking about India and China's role, Mr Hossain said he is not blaming anyone as everyone looks after their own interest.

"But that does not seem to tag with Bangladesh's interest on the Rohingya issue and for which the issue has been lingering, and there is no light at the end of the tunnel," the Foreign Affairs Adviser despairs.

He warns unless this issue is resolved, it is going to become an issue for the rest of the world.

Hossain said Bangladesh has not received the expected level of support from its major neighbouring countries regarding resolving the Rohingya crisis.

"During the last eight years, the amount of or the level of support that we expected from our neighbours, big neighbours, has not been forthcoming."

Hossain said the question comes why China has not been forthcoming in resolving the issue on the side of Bangladesh. Because, he said, Myanmar remains very important for China access to the Bay of Bengal.

Similarly, the Adviser said, India thinks that the Kaladan project is important, and for this project, it has to keep good relations with Myanmar.

"Bangladesh has been caught in the crossfires of competing geopolitical interests."

Regarding growing concerns over the future of the Rohingya youth, Hossain said the young generations who have no hopes for the future are not likely to sit idle and watch what others do.

"There will be a point in time they will become a serious problem not only for Bangladesh but also for our neighbours and people from far away," he told the attendees from the region and beyond.

The Adviser said there are three important players -- the United States, India and China -- in the Bay of Bengal apart from Bangladesh and there is an issue of dominance.

He said the Bay of Bengal is extremely important for Bangladesh due to the access it offers to the rest of the world and for its resources.

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