Prime Minister Tarique Rahman called on students to play an active role in creating a stable political environment to move the country forward.
He made the remarks while exchanging views with students of University of Dhaka at Professor Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium of the Social Sciences Faculty on the campus.
The Prime Minister also advised students to learn a third language alongside Bangla and English to increase employment opportunities in different countries around the world.
Around 156 students participated in the programme where Tarique Rahman answered questions on government plans initiatives education corruption employment and politics.
Responding to a question from Kaberi Azad a master’s student of the Department of Drawing and Painting he said political stability is necessary for institution building and sustainable national development.
He said people often expect rapid change but development must be achieved gradually within a stable environment. He urged students to build public opinion in favour of political stability through social media and other platforms.
According to the Prime Minister political parties will continue political activities but parliament should remain the main centre of politics.
“We have done many things through street politics. But now stability must come. Politics should move to parliament. Nothing can be built simply through street agitation,” he said.
He stressed the importance of discussion dialogue and careful decision-making for nation building and urged university students to remain vocal whenever necessary.
Earlier the Prime Minister inaugurated a daylong national workshop at the Nabab Nawab Ali Chowdhury Senate Bhaban on the DU campus.
The University Grants Commission organised the workshop titled “Transforming Higher Education in Bangladesh: Roadmap to Sustainable Excellence” to make higher education more modern inclusive and sustainable.
Speaking about democratic education Tarique Rahman said the government has started taking school students to parliament so they can learn about democratic institutions.
Recalling his visit to the British Parliament he said he wanted to introduce a similar system in Bangladesh if given the opportunity to lead the government.
He said students from schools in Dhaka are already visiting parliament and later students from other districts will also get the chance to observe parliamentary sessions and learn about its history and legacy.
At the beginning of his speech the Prime Minister said returning to Dhaka University after 35 years made him feel nostalgic.
He also encouraged students to think not only about what Bangladesh can do for them but also what they can do for Bangladesh.
Replying to another question from Mobashsheruzzaman Hasan a postgraduate student of Islamic History and Culture he acknowledged the shortage of dormitories and library facilities at universities across the country.
The Prime Minister blamed corruption and misuse of public resources after 2008 for many of the country’s present problems. He referred to alleged irregularities in projects including the Rooppur Nuclear Power Plant and said money laundering over the years deprived students of better facilities.
He said achieving complete zero tolerance against corruption is difficult because corruption has become deeply rooted but his government is trying to curb it.
Highlighting public awareness issues Tarique Rahman said many people still do not consider wasting water violating traffic rules or cutting trees as immoral acts and stressed the need to change public mindset.
Speaking about the global ranking of Dhaka University he said the institution has not yet reached the international position it deserves.
According to him political affiliation received more importance than merit in teacher recruitment in previous years. He urged the university administration to prioritise academic results merit and research achievements during recruitment.
Responding to another question on the use of Bangla in education the Prime Minister said maintaining connection with the mother tongue depends largely on family values and mindset.
He shared his experience of raising his daughter Zaima Rahman abroad while keeping her connected to Bangladeshi language and culture.
He said many families prefer speaking English with children studying in English-medium schools which reduces the use of Bangla and called for changing this practice.
DU Vice-Chancellor ABM Obaidul Islam Professor Md Morshed Hasan Khan and leaders of Chhatra Dal attended the programme.
At the event the DU Vice-Chancellor and Professor Morshed Hasan Khan presented a crest to the Prime Minister.