Honest, effective leadership a must for nation building

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury speaks at the Leadership Development Course at Sheraton Hotel in the city yesterday. On his right is Dhaka University Vice Chancellor Prof SMA Faiz and on his left is Prof M Ataur Rahman. PHOTO: STAR

Despite Bangladesh's enormous potential, the inadequacy of leadership affects the country badly with adverse consequences on the socio-economic and political development, said Prof SMA Faiz, vice-chancellor of Dhaka University, while inaugurating the two-day course organised by the Centre for Governance Studies.

The country needs honest and effective leadership not only in politics but also in business, education, media and administration to resolve conflicts, alleviate poverty, empower women and the disadvantaged and to ensure good governance, he said.

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The democratic leadership in Bangladesh is still fragmented, Prof Faiz said, adding that although the country has institutions for good governance, they are yet to be made efficient and responsible agents of change.

British High Commissioner Anwar Choudhury said there is a need for leadership at every level of jobs starting with a sweeper up to a high commissioner. "But a leader has to resist the temptations for power, ego and special consideration in the process of making rational decision."

Bangladesh is a country that really needs skilled leadership, expertise, investment and knowledge on how to retain talented people for the nation's well-being, said Choudhury.

He also called for strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring good governance, accountability and transparency and participatory leadership.

Democracy must ensure that people have a fair say and their views are respected, the British high commissioner said.

He called on the young generation to get involved in politics to address their disillusionment and raise their voice when frustrated with student politics that disrupts university life and delays exams.

Prof M Ataur Rahman, chairman of the Centre, said it is rather unfortunate that leadership factor which is so crucial for good and effective governance has so far been ignored.

The leadership development course, first of its kind in Bangladesh, is designed to help the future leaders of the country achieve their full potentials and to equip them with skills and knowledge so that they can build a better future, he said.

A total of 30 participants, including university students and young professionals, are taking part in the course.