Active participation of the youths in politics is required for building the future of Bangladesh, said youth representatives from different sectors at a roundtable discussion yesterday.

They said younger generation has to shun the mindset of “disliking politics” because their role is very important to carry forward the wheels of development in various sectors including education.

Bangladesh Institute of Peace and Security Studies (BIPSS) and Bangla daily Prothom Alo organised the roundtable on “Future Bangladesh: Our Hope and Expectation” at the newspaper office in the capital.

Twenty-three youths including researchers, entrepreneurs, journalists, professionals and students spoke on six thematic areas: future democracy and politics, future economics, spreading of fundamentalism among youths, future technology, education and employment, and women's participation and empowerment.

AKM Tousif Tanzim Ahmed, a student of the Department of International Relations at Dhaka University, said most youths in the present day Bangladesh hate politics due to its corrupt nature.

“Space has to be given to those who want to serve the country through practicing healthy politics,” he added.

Rakibul Hasan, founder of Peace Empire and Erasmus Scholar, said the political parties cannot accept diversity due to extensive practice of partisan politics.

Therefore, youths show reluctance to join politics, he added.

Fahmida Faiza, youth adviser of World Federation of United Nations Association, said more participation of youths in global competitions and events will encourage others to get involved in different activities.

SIM Farhan Sheikh, director of Hello Governance, said connecting youths through social networking sites and e-governance can help change the existing society.

Muntakim Saad, a reporter of The Daily Star, said the youths are not responsible for the problems they are facing now. 

“Concerned authorities, who are constantly pushing the youths back, should change their mindset and help the youths grow irrespective of their identities,” he said.

BIPSS President Maj Gen (retd) ANM Muniruzzaman and Prothom Alo Associate Editor Abdul Quayum, among others, spoke at the roundtable.