Moving from negative to zero is progress: Zahed Ur Rahman

Prime Minister’s Information and Broadcasting Adviser Zahed Ur Rahman has said the country is currently at a critical juncture, stressing that even a shift from a negative position to zero should be seen as progress.

“We were actually in a negative place and moved further into negativity. From there, coming back to zero is now a positive step. This period is a time for major work,” he said.

He made the remarks yesterday (4 May) at the China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka while speaking at the launch of the book ‘Bangladesher Shikkha Shongskarer Ruprekha — The Learning Nation’, authored by State Minister for Primary and Mass Education Bobby Hajjaj.

Bobby Hajjaj, speaking as the chief guest, said, “The big question before us is what we are leaving for the future. We must ensure accountability. Words alone are not enough, we must prove through action.”

He added that despite existing potential, no single government or ministry can solve all problems alone, emphasising the need for public participation.

Economist and Centre for Policy Dialogue fellow Debapriya Bhattacharya noted that Bangladesh has made significant progress in education, particularly in female education and higher education, but gaps remain in quality and teacher skills. He stressed the need for increased investment in the sector.

Educationist Rasheda K Choudhury highlighted persistent inequalities in the system, saying equitable access to quality education is essential for achieving desired development.

Media personality Abdun Noor Tushar, writer Anisul Hoque, Professor Mahbub Ullah and Professor Salimullah Khan also stressed coordinated efforts to reform the education system.