The New Nation - Internet Edition

BSS, Dhaka

Danish ambassador in Bangladesh Einar H Jensen yesterday underscored the need for promoting good governance and human rights and said, those are essential parts to the advancement of democracy.

"Assistance to the efforts designed to promote respect for human rights and good governance is a central and integrated element of Danish development cooperation policy," the ambassador said.

Jensen was addressing at the award distribution ceremony of an essay competition on 'How to be a Good Citizen' at the Alliance Francaise here organized by News Network with support from the Danish Embassy in Bangladesh.

With Editor of News Network Shahiduzzaman in the chair, the function was attended by noted journalist and Chief Editor of Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS) Zaglul Ahmed Chowdhury, International President of Commonwealth Journalists Association (CJA) Hassan Shahriar and Bureau Chief of Associated Press in Bangladesh Farid Hossain as the special guests.

Jensen said, "Denmark's development policy promotes the rights of children and young people and ensure their opportunity for democratic influence."

The prime time for the children to learn the basics of human rights as future leaders of the nation will have a positive long- lasting impact on their minds, the ambassador said.

He said, "Children are considered as a long-term resource in the development process of the Danish development cooperation policy."

School is the most appropriate place to teach the children about the challenges they would face in their everyday life, he pointed out.

Zaglul A Chowdhury stressed the need for development of citizen rights and opportunities in Bangladesh. He advised the youngsters to learn properly the mother tongue Bangla with an international language for knowing bitterly the citizens rights and opportunities.

Hassan Shahriar commended the Danish Embassy and News Network to take the initiatives for the children of Bangladesh.

Farid Hossain said, good governance is required for the sustainable democracy in Bangladesh.

Among others, journalists Rabiul Karim Helal and Khan Mohammad Khaled, and award winners Mahmuda Afroze Rimu and Lelina Akter also spoke on the occasion.