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BREAKING: ● Australia wants free, fair elections in Bangladesh      ● Pakistan Foreign Minister due Sunday      ● Human chain urges swift reopening of Malaysian labor market       ● Bangladesh want to be top manufacturing country in world      ● KUET VC, Pro-VC resign      ● Bangladesh, WB sign $850m deals to boost trade, create jobs      ● KUET students cheer, end fast      

What Do Citizens Think

Published : Saturday, 8 March, 2025 at 12:00 AM  Count : 3436
Nazrul Islam
'What Do Citizens Think' is an insightful nonfiction work by Nazrul Islam, a dedicated writer and researcher. This book digs into critical issues in education, society, policy, and politics, all through the lens of citizen perspectives. It seeks to highlight these challenges while exploring potential solutions. Esteemed educationalists and sociologists have lauded the manuscript in its foreword, offering strong endorsements for its relevance and depth. Every aspect of this book reflects the author's deep commitment to education, literature, and analytical thinking. This book is a collection of the author's sub-editorials on various issues that affect citizens, originally published in national newspapers. It invites readers to critically think and reassess their perspectives, informed by the author's thoughtful analysis.


The education section raises the important question, 'Should higher education opportunities be equitable for all?' The author believes it is the responsibility of the state to provide students with the opportunity to pursue higher education based on their abilities, interests, and preferences. Furthermore, there's a thought-provoking article that examines privately owned secondary schools, which often function like family-run businesses. Many of these institutions promote their founders' identities to various for-profit educational entities. Additionally, there's ongoing speculation about the future of online education in a post-Covid world.
In the societal realm, a pressing question arises: 'Aren't we victims of eco-terrorism?' This concern stems from the alarming state of Punjab in India back in 2016, often referred to as the cancer belt due to severe chemical pollution. At that time, Ludhiana, a district within Punjab, was responsible for the generation of 1,332 types of hazardous waste. Tragically, approximately seven lakh individuals succumb to cancer annually. The societal discussion further delves into the story of the esteemed scientist A.P.J.A. Abdul Kalam, examining the troubling perception in our country that views teaching as merely a 'by chance' profession. The narrative also highlights the bravery of health workers who risked their lives to provide essential medical care during the Covid-19 pandemic. The author poignantly states, "Not all professions have the opportunity to make the same mistake twice; the physician's profession is one of them." In an essay called 'World cup football and the abuse of flags,' the author poses an intriguing question: What if we began displaying other nations' flags in our own country to cheer on our favorite films at the Oscars or the Cannes Film Festival?

Reviewed by Shahjalal M Palash

The policy section seeks to answer three key questions concerning 'Nagad,' which initially positioned itself as a state-owned mobile financial service. Concerns have been raised that having distinct facilities and regulatory frameworks for various institutions offering similar services could disrupt the supportive business environment. Additionally, the author notes a recent surge in the establishment of universities across the nation, particularly technical institutions. This section also includes a thorough investigation into the pressing issues of child rape, sexual abuse, and post-rape murders within the country. The author examines the root causes of child sexual abuse and discusses potential strategies to address this grave concern. Furthermore, the author expresses alarm over food adulteration, emphasizing that it stands out as one of the most egregious methods of harming individuals.

Readers with a keen interest in analysis will find the political section intriguing. This segment delves into the political landscape of South Asia, the West, and our own country. It raises thought-provoking questions, such as whether Modi's victory signals a shift away from dynastic politics. This article is crucial for understanding recent trends in South Asian electoral politics and power dynamics. A government system centered on development should emphasize naming governmental and semi-governmental offices based on their functions, goals, types of services, or target beneficiaries. Yet, even after fifty years of independence, many such offices in our country still bear names linked to the institution's leadership or titles, reminiscent of our colonial past.

The final article addresses two critical and hotly debated political topics: democracy and elections. The author emphasizes that while democracy aims for inclusivity, the underlying principle remains that some individuals will run for electione, and it is the people's responsibility to vote for them-that's the essence of democracy!

The book delves into the complexities of Bangladesh, going beyond what the headlines suggest. Are we genuinely asking the right questions about crucial matters like education, society, policy, and politics? This book challenges the status quo, tackling vital issues that our nation faces. It addresses everything from the importance of memorization in education and the absence of reliable statistics on university and job placements to corporate accountability and environmental challenges.

The book 'What Do Citizens Think' presents a unique viewpoint on our history while encouraging readers to envision what the future might hold through the lens of citizenship. It's a captivating read that stays with you well after you've turned the last page. While it would have been helpful to see the facts and figures mentioned in the article referenced at the end, much of this information is readily available and easy to verify online. Ultimately, this book features engaging writing that inspires readers to think deeply about civic matters and to raise new questions.


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