Through the collective efforts of students and citizens, we have brought about a new Bangladesh. Our aspiration is to create an equitable society where education plays a key role in eliminating inequality. Ensuring equal rights, opportunities, and dignity for all individuals must be our top priority.
Professor Dr. SMA Faiz, former Vice-Chancellor of Dhaka University, former Chairman of the Bangladesh Public Service Commission (PSC), and current Chairman of Bangladesh University Grants Commission (UGC), shared his thoughts with Kaler Kantho on the vision for future society, necessary changes, and the role of the state.
Who will drive tomorrow's society? What are your expectations for the new Bangladesh that emerged through the mass uprising of students and citizens?
Our youth worked selflessly for the country's welfare, risking their lives. They truly discerned right from wrong and chose the path of truth and justice with great courage. They gave us a beautiful Bangladesh, a gift worth cherishing. This has ignited a light of hope. To build this new Bangladesh, students took the first step and then mobilized the public. They worked very wisely, uniting everyone through the slogans they presented.
During this critical July-August period, the youth clearly outlined the kind of Bangladesh we should strive for—a nation where people choose justice over injustice and truth over falsehood. For too long, we were deprived of freedom of speech and lost the power to think freely.
How far have we progressed toward an egalitarian society? How can we eliminate corruption?
After the mass uprising, we must assume that inequality no longer exists. We have reached this point through great sacrifices—why should inequality persist? People must realize that corruption has no place anymore. However, corruption has not been entirely eradicated. We still hear about and observe instances of it. We have yet to reach a point of complete trust in the system. Corruption within the administration still lingers, and we need to address this issue with vigilance.
Education is a key tool for eliminating inequality, but what are the major obstacles in the education sector, and how can they be addressed?
We often talk about education commissions. It seems that every government forms a new education commission, ignoring the merits and demerits of previous reports. These commissions are sometimes staffed with individuals chosen based on preference rather than public trust or contribution. This cycle needs to end.
In the past, accusations of partisanship in university teacher recruitment were rampant. Have our teachers reached the appropriate standards of merit and dignity? What role should the state play in this regard?
Have we recruited the brightest students as teachers? Did we provide opportunities to those who could excel in teaching? Unfortunately, political considerations often influenced teacher recruitment, and we are suffering the consequences. If we address these foundational issues, there will be no need to wait for a new education commission.
How far have we progressed in the health sector, and what steps should be taken to ensure basic healthcare access?
We have many talented doctors, but hospital facilities are not up to standard. Proper nursing care is also lacking due to insufficient training. While private medical colleges and hospitals have emerged, the private sector needs to step up further to establish high-quality hospitals. The state must ensure that every individual receives at least basic healthcare. Universal health insurance is a vital solution that must be implemented.
What role will women play in shaping future society? Are they in the right position in our society?
I have always believed in the potential of women. When I taught at the university, I observed that female students often outperformed their male peers. As Chairman of the PSC, I noticed that even with a quota for women, they preferred to compete on merit. In recent movements, we saw women stepping forward and opposing their own quotas, demonstrating their ability to lead. Women no longer need to look back—they are progressing steadily.
What role should our politicians play in shaping tomorrow's society?
Politicians must regain the public's trust. They need to ensure that the youth have confidence in their leadership. It should be evident that politicians are working for the welfare of the people. Politics must move away from personal gains or profit and focus solely on serving the public good.
BDST: 1154 HRS, JAN 13, 2025
