Humayun Kabir, Bangladesh’s ambassador to the United States, spoke yesterday about Bangladesh’s recent elections and changes as part of the Office of the Vice Provost for International Programs’ 2009 Ambassador Series.
Kabir’s lecture covered the nation’s recent developments in its economy, environment and civil rights, as well as its relations with the United States, in light of the democratic elections held in the country Dec. 28, during which the new prime minister, Sheikh Hasina, was elected.
“Voters really responded so enthusiastically that it has refined the agenda of what is known as democracy building,” Kabir said.
Indeed, Kabir noted that the elections boasted a high voter turnout, with 87 percent of the 800 million registered voters casting ballots.
The voters elected a parliament filled mostly with young faces, Kabir said, explaining that out of the 300-member parliament, 146 of them are new to politics. Furthermore, there are now more than 45 women in parliament, resulting in a push of female empowerment throughout the nation, Kabir said.
“Women are now transforming the society,” Kabir said, explaining that a woman’s role in her family as a mother and as a provider allows her to take better care of herself as well as of those around her.
Kabir said the election’s tremendous outcome is a result of the great care the political parties took to publish their information, as well as voters’ initiative to learn about candidates.
Another accomplishment of the election that Kabir mentioned was the role the media played in redefining the issues of the election.
Kabir said there were more than 300,000 observers of the election, adding that they were from all over the world and present at every polling station.
“The presence of the observers helped the sanctity of the election,” Kabir explained.
Bangladesh’s new government has a more democratic and secular agenda, Kabir said, adding, “I think this is a positive thing, and it will have a longer impact on Bangladesh.”
With the new parliament, Kabir said the United States and Bangladesh’s relationship is in a transformational phase and that “the essence of our focus now is to energize our economic relationship.”
Bangladesh no longer depends on foreign aid and is becoming increasingly trade-dependent, Kabir said. He also expressed hope that Bangladesh could work with the United States to create duty-free entry into the U.S. market for Bangladesh and other underdeveloped nations. Duty-free trade would not impact jobs in the United States, given the nature of trade in underdeveloped nations, he added.
As Bangladesh works to energize its economy, it must also deal with the problem of climate change, which is causing the nation to experience an increase in the number of cyclones and floods, Kabir noted.
“We have problems like many countries, but what we try to do is find answers through our own capacities,” Kabir said.
Kabir also said he hopes that Bangladesh’s approach to civil rights, trade and environmental obstacles can act as a model for other nations, including the United States.
First-year College student Tasniya Sultana, who was born in Bangladesh, said she thought the ambassador’s lecture was very helpful and that his speech increased her interest in studying abroad in Bangladesh.
“To study abroad there and learn how to improve the country itself is a great opportunity, and I’m looking forward to it,” she said.
Read More
Student Council votes to relocate Hereford orchard and basketball hoop
By Lauren Seeliger | 5 hours agoStudent Council passed a resolution Tuesday to relocate the orchard and basketball hoop of Hereford Residential College due to construction in the surrounding area.
Dean Rucker honored with Z Society’s highest honor, Pale Z Award
By Brendon Bordwine | 22 hours agoThe Society has a storied history of honoring University leaders with the Pale Z.
Students receive free STI testing through U.Va. Health and Wellness
By Jackie Bond | YesterdayThrough funding from Student Council, students are now able to receive free STI testing with SHW which includes tests for HIV, Syphilis, Gonorrhea, Chlamydia and Hepatitis C.
