43pc youths hesitant to exercise freedom of expression

Around 43 percent of the young people in Bangladesh are hesitant or nervous in exercising their freedom of expression, a study by Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, revealed yesterday.

The survey, upon which the study was based, also showed that 41.4 percent of the respondents demanded the abolition of the Digital Security Act or laws like it, along with other administrative measures that obstruct the freedom of expression.

Revealed during a conference at Krishibid Institute Bangladesh in the capital, the study, titled "Youth Perspective in the Current National Context", said over one third of the country's youth faced criticism while exercising this freedom.

The programme was organised with the support of Plan International.

Around 5,075 people, aged between 18 and 35, were surveyed to learn their perspective on the country's development as well their voting records and political participation.

Presenting the study, Towfiqul Islam Khan, senior research fellow at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), said 69.4 percent of the country's young population believes corruption and nepotism are the main obstacles to the country's development.

"Additionally, 46.5 percent [of the respondents] said a lack of transparency and accountability are other reasons the country is falling behind."

In terms of solutions, around 60.4 percent of them suggested the introduction of a registration system for the unemployed young people to get employment, while 48 percent recommended a loan facility with a low interest rate for young entrepreneurs.

The study also found that around 53.8 percent of the registered voters among the respondents have never voted in national elections and 46 percent have never voted in local elections.

Moshreka Aditi Haque, assistant professor of anthropology in Chittagong University, mentioned that a large number of citizens are unable to freely exercise their voting rights.

Shama Obaid, organising secretary of the BNP, said, "Not all citizens can take to the streets to fight for their rights. The government should provide opportunities for people to contribute [to the country's development] in any way they can. They should have the right to criticise.

"The government is currently keeping citizens away from democracy. The situation needs to change, otherwise we won't be able to utilise the country's youth to its fullest potential."

Ahasanul Islam Titu, an Awami League lawmaker, said his party will try to introduce a registration system for the unemployed members of the youth.

CPD Distinguished Fellow Prof Mustafizur Rahman said, "We don't only want a developed country, we want one that is also inclusive.

"This new generation has the responsibility to do that. That's why we set the slogan 'Let the country be as the youths desire' for this programme."

At the event, young attendees put forth some "hopes and expectation of the youth", including the abolition of laws that obstruct freedom of expression. A debate was also organised.

Lawmakers Ahsan Adelur Rahman and Kazi Nabil Ahmed also spoke, while Debapriya Bhattacharya, convenor of the Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh moderated the programme.