Mindset of youth within govt does not represent all youth of country: BNP's Moyeen

Noting that Bangladesh was not established by a handful of students from Dhaka University alone, BNP Standing Committee member Abdul Moyeen Khan today said the mindset of the young people within the government does not reflect that of the majority of the country's youth.

"Go to the villages and listen to what people are saying—listen to the voices of the youth. The opinions of a few students cannot represent the entire youth of Bangladesh," he said at the unveiling event of a book, "Tarique Rahman's Politics: The Sublimity of a Mass Uprising", at National Press Club.

A nation cannot be led by ignoring the hopes and aspirations of its youth, Moyeen further said.

Regarding the younger generation, the BNP leader said, "Young people, who gain the right to vote at the age of 18, have been denied the opportunity to exercise that fundamental right from 2009 to 2025 — a span of 17 years. Today, they are eager and ready to exercise their franchise."

Moyeen noted that the liberation of Bangladesh had two main goals — the establishment of democracy and the economic emancipation of the country's poor. But that path has been repeatedly disrupted.

"Students are the leaders of the future. But if they take on responsibilities without proper preparation, it could lead to serious challenges down the road."

Moyeen mentioned that BNP chief Khaleda Zia did not enter politics through any backdoor. "She stepped into politics through the front door, openly and with legitimacy."

Commenting on the current political climate, he said, "The country is now confronted with the pressing question of why millions remain disappointed with the government's performance.

"Although belated, the announcement of the election schedule has brought a shift in the political landscape."

The BNP leader further said his party will continue working to ensure good governance for the people of the country through democracy.