The youth-envisioned 'new Bangladesh' must ensure democratic and accountable governance that is free from discrimination, corruption and injustice including all forms of violation of human rights, Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) expressed the hope on Monday.
To mark the International Youth Day 2024, TIB called for a comprehensive reconstruction of the state structure and creation of a new political and governance construct with public interest at the core.
It also asserted the confidence that the youth will continue to be the driving force behind the nation's efforts to guarantee the people's rights to vote, justice, human rights, and freedom of expression and free media.
TIB urged the interim government to ensure that the necessary structure and environment conducive to the realisation of this vision are created.
In a press statement, TIB Executive Director Iftekharuzzaman said, "We have witnessed that the youths have led an unprecedented upsurge which has resulted in the collapse of a dictatorial regime at unprecedented costs in terms of loss of lives and deprivation of fundamental rights. This fall of the authoritarian regime demonstrates that the indomitable spirit of the youth cannot be stifled by neglect or oppression."
"One of the most critical lessons from this movement is that tyranny, born of a blatant lack of responsibility, accountability, transparency, and good governance, must pay the ultimate price. All stakeholders, including political parties, must learn from this movement that the power of the students cannot be suppressed.
Instead, an environment must be created in which the youth can be vocal about their well-deserved rights and legitimate demands.
The youth stakeholders involved with TIB have made several key recommendations on the occasion of the International Youth Day 2024, recognising the youth as a vital force in driving national progress.
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