Barrister Zaima Rahman, daughter of BNP Chairman Tarique Rahman and granddaughter of former Prime Minister late Khaleda Zia, on Monday called for the creation of an unified platform to bring together youths from diverse backgrounds and ensure their meaningful participation in building an inclusive and progressive Bangladesh.
Speaking at an informal discussion session with youths titled Chayer Adda (Tea Talk) at Mohakhali DOHS playground in Dhaka, Zaima said inclusive state-building requires opportunities, access, and collaboration. The programme was organised by the BNP Election Steering Committee’s Content Generation Team.
“If individuals from different walks of life want to work toward a shared objective, we must provide them with a platform and the necessary access. That will benefit everyone and ensure that all citizens can take part in shaping the country,” she said.
During the interactive session, Zaima moved between tables to engage directly with students from various universities and colleges, listening to their concerns, ideas, and aspirations. Discussions covered a wide range of issues, including unemployment, air pollution, traffic congestion, women’s safety, urbanisation challenges, education disparities, and the need for decentralisation.
Addressing concerns about cyberbullying, Zaima said legislation alone is insufficient unless properly enforced. She highlighted how online harassment often discourages women from participating in public life and said changing social attitudes remains a major challenge.
She also suggested that social media companies establish offices in Bangladesh to improve accountability.
Zaima noted the strong enthusiasm among young people to contribute to national development and stressed the importance of creating spaces where their ideas and energy can be channelled productively.
She encouraged open dialogue and constructive criticism, describing them as essential for sound decision-making and inclusive governance.
On education, she emphasised the need to narrow the gap between urban and rural schools from the primary level and reduce disparities between institutions in the capital and those elsewhere.
She also highlighted the importance of practical learning and co-curricular activities alongside academic study to better prepare students for the job market.
Responding to concerns about Dhaka’s traffic congestion, Zaima said better coordination of school and office schedules could help ease pressure on roads.
She also underscored the importance of safe footpaths and adequate street lighting to encourage walking and reduce reliance on vehicles for short distances.
Students raised concerns about gas and water shortages, as well as growing feelings of isolation among urban youth. When asked about those injured or disabled during the July movement, Zaima said the issue deeply concerns her family and assured that it remains under discussion.
On her own future role, she said meaningful change requires collective effort. “It is not possible to work alone. We can move forward together, Inshallah,” she said.
Concluding the session, Zaima thanked participants for their engagement and said the purpose of the gathering was to understand young people’s vision for Dhaka and Bangladesh. She expressed her intention to continue such informal dialogues to strengthen connections between political leaders and young citizens.
Organisers said the event aimed to promote constructive interaction between young voters and national political figures, focusing on political awareness, voting rights, and the future direction of the country.
