AL eyes on young voters to score in Dec 29 polls

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Awami League President Sheikh Hasina, in a bid to form the next government, set her eyes on young voters who got registered for the first time as voters and urged them to give their verdict judiciously considering the future of the nation, reports UNB.
Announcing her party's election manifesto that contains 'Vision-2021', the long-term part of the manifesto, Hasina said this vision has immense potential for the young generation and she dedicated it for them.
She said the successful implementation of the Vision-2021 depended on active participation and engagement of the youths.
"We dedicate our Vision-2021 to the young generation, who got enrolled as voters this year for the first time, with the aim of building a bright future for them."
Hasina said the youths had strength and capacity by which they could face the challenges of globalisation in the 21st century.
She made strong commitments in sectors like education, information technology (IT), sports and new employment, which she expects would create an active young community.
The former Prime Minister pledged to initiate 'employment guarantee scheme' under which one able but unemployed youth of every family would be provided employment for at least 100 days a year.
Besides, she said, projects would also be taken to accommodate the youths after passing their HSC examination to 'National Service'.
For progressive youths, she also planned to make the Madrasah education up-to-date. Besides, she said youths would be encouraged to study science and technology and do research works.
Hasina also unveiled another plan to develop the software industry and IT services through the youths interested in the sector.
"We want to build Digital Bangladesh by 2021. IT education will be made compulsory in secondary education by 2013 and at primary level by 2021," she declared.
The former Prime Minister also laid emphasis on sports and physical exercise that, she said, would be made part of every educational institution for proper physical and mental growth of the youths.
The December 29 election was very important for the future of Bangladesh, she said adding: "If Awami League is voted to govern the country, we will bring peace and trust in your (people's) life."
Drawing the attention of the youths, Hasina said: "We call upon you to participate in this great endeavour of national reconstruction and build a bright future for you and the generations to come."
Ahead of the country's Golden Jubilee anniversary of independence in 2021, Awami League has set the mission - 'Vision 2021'.
Explaining the 'Vision-2021', Hasina said that by 2021, Awami League would like to see such a Bangladesh where a rapidly growing economy would be able to fulfil the basic needs of the people removing the curse of poverty.
"We want Bangladesh to be built as a country where we will have true participatory democracy, social justice, equal rights for women, rule of law, human rights, good governance and pollution-free environment," she said.