UNB, Dhaka :Voicing concern over violence’s impact on young people, Bangladesh British High Commissioner in Dhaka Robert W Gibson on Monday said the future generations of Bangladesh should not be sacrificed by short-term ‘political quarrelling’.”I unequivocally condemn this violence. Political leaders of all parties have a special responsibility not only to protect the most vulnerable in society but to allow them opportunity to flourish,” he said.The diplomat was addressing a function in the city marking the Commonwealth Day? 2015′. Brac founder and Chairman Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, Ambassador Selina Mohsin, Commonwealth Society of Bangladesh Secretary General AJM Enamul Islam and Dr Mizanur Rahman Shelly also spoke on the occasion.Gibson said, the violence that they have seen over the past two months has had a particular impact on young people in Bangladesh.”Children have been killed and horrifically injured in indiscriminate arson attacks. Over a million children – the voters of tomorrow – have had essential SSC examinations cancelled or moved,” he said.Gibson said, much of the political debate in Bangladesh over the last four years has been focused on elections. “But democracy is not solely, or even mainly, about elections.”It is, he thinks, about what happens in between elections and it is about participation in decisions that shape futures. “It is about election pledges being kept and delivered. It is about leaders being held to account for their actions on behalf of all of the people of their country – whether or not they voted, or indeed were able to vote.”The British diplomat said they hope to create and encourage a new generation of people, for whom the Magna Carta is not an historical document but a living testament for today’s democracies.Gibson said the future belongs to the young and they have, as this year’s theme says, a vital role to play. “But the young, as we too cannot, should not ignore the present,” he said hoping that the young of Bangladesh will accept and seize this responsibility.”We want to ensure that their voice and aspirations are heard. That their energy, passion and innovation are best utilised. And that their own children have the right education and skills and environment needed for the future,” he added.The UK and Bangladesh have both signed up to the numerous international Conventions and Covenants that have given life to the Universal Declaration and indirectly to the principles of the Magna Carta, he said.The diplomat said as one of the largest members of the Commonwealth in terms of population size, Bangladesh has a key role to play in keeping these principles and turning them into reality.The current government has committed itself to further developing Bangladesh into a modern, pluralistic and tolerant society, with democracy and the rule of law at its core, he said.”But I also want to encourage the young people of today across Bangladesh and the Commonwealth to ensure this Government and all governments keep their promises,” said the diplomat.
