After Class

Students voice out their opinions on various issues. Courtesy: ATN Bangla

Speak Your Mind

Naziba Basher

As known to everyone, the country's future and well-being lies on the shoulders of the young. As we prepare to take our nation forward, the youngsters receive training and learn whatever they can from the more experienced before stepping out to develop the minds in Bangladesh.

Hassan Ahmed Chowdhury Kiron has decided to start from his own doorstep and take initiatives to do something for the budding young leaders, who are eager to express themselves. Director of a weekly programme, 'Campus Parliament,' a show created specially for young people and teenagers on ATN Bangla, Kiron has successfully attracted a number of students from institutions from all over the country.

Campus Parliament had started out as just another debate competition. It consisted of teams from different universities, debating over various issues. Soon enough, the show turned into a mock parliament where two teams would come together, one being the government and the other being the opposition, trying to resolve important issues of the country.

The speaker addresses students before a session. Courtesy: ATN Bangla

“The ruling parties, most often, argue and fight over unnecessary issues," says Kiron. “Our young people are the future of this country and they have the right to know and solve real issues which are actually important to our country, which should actually be taken into serious consideration. Students discuss issues concerning the caretaker government, increasing crime rates, electricity fluctuation issues and much more. Students from Chhatra league have also taken part in the show as they are politically aware themselves. This, in turn, has a good effect on the other participants as their interests in our political system and current affairs are heightened."

“We make sure that the young people deal with issues and topics that require them to research properly," adds Kiron. He says that in this way, the young people do not only get prepared for the parliament sessions, but, in the long run, they also get an education and grow an interest in all kinds of issues. Consisting of both local and international issues, the students deal with topics like the India - Bangladesh relationship, the effect of President Obama's decisions on the Bangladeshi Government and much more.

Kiron also mentions how they make sure that everything that is discussed gets unbiased opinions. Without the influence of a political party that they may be following, they want an absolute neutral and well analysed opinion from all participants. The students, in turn, get to speak their minds freely.

These Campus Parliament sessions have esteemed judges to declare the winners, who are experts in the related fields of discussion. They are well known individuals belonging to the higher authority in the debate arena.

The main idea of these sessions is to take this generation to a level where they can become independent individuals responsible enough to take matters into their own hands when resolving serious issues. “As you know, this is the marketing generation. For your words to be believable to others you need to know how to speak as convincingly as ever and we believe, with the practice students get at Campus Parliament, they can fit in anywhere and everywhere,” says Kiron. “Lots of people representing our country fail to communicate with international diplomats due to lack of speaking skills. However, through this practice, we are hoping that the future generation will not have to face such problems.”

What started out as an ordinary debate competition is now a platform for all students of this day and age to learn how to form an opinion. The show brings improvement to one's manner of speech, general knowledge and helps one become an independent and confident individual.

DID YOU KNOW?

Mahatma Gandhi

Mahatma Gandhi was a very shy student. He ignored any kind of contact with anyone. He would be at school at the stroke of the hour and run back home as soon as school was over. He literally ran back! As he said in his autobiography, “I could not bear to talk to anybody. I was even afraid lest anyone should poke fun at me.” Gandhi's report card used to say “good at English, fair in Arithmetic and weak in Geography; conduct very good, bad handwriting.” Gandhi was embarrassed of his bad handwriting throughout his life and tried to improve it but without much success. He recommended that all students should have good handwriting -- it's invaluable!

Information source: Internet.