There are many factors that come into play when we think of the development of a community. Going beyond concepts like; a dignified livelihood, economic, cultural and social integration it also calls for a political empowerment of its members. Meaning, having a voice to influence the policies and practices that affect their life. In my last twelve years of living in this blessed country I have neither witnessed any organized effort to speak in one voice on the issues that matter most to us nor have I found the cherished, competent leadership that can truly represent politico economic aspirations of our community in the greater scheme of Canadian governance. We observed scattered, fragmented growth in the cultural sphere but not the concerted effort of moving the community as a whole. Given this context, the emergence of Doly Begum to be the ‘Member of Provincial Parliament” is a beacon of hope. It brought us back to a dream for a Bangladeshi community who are rich not only in cultural heritage but also in their capacities and contributions towards building a healthy, inclusive society in Canada. I foresee a far greater role of our younger generation of Bangladeshi Canadian or Canadian Bangladeshi in shaping or influencing Canadian political landscape. It does not happen in sitting idle in our cozy space, scratching our back and wondering why there are so much Indian, Pakistani or even Srilankan representation in Canadian power structure while we, Bangladeshis, have virtually none. Nothing will change unless we actively and intelligently participate in the entire process of political representation. Our brilliant and brave youngsters should seize the political opportunity to serve our community, our nation in a more challenging role. I believe Doly Begum have this caliber of leadership and political excellence in creating a space for our community’s voice to be heard in various layers of governance. Hailed from greater Sylhet, graduated from University of Toronto and also a Masters degree in Development Administration & Planning from London, England, Doly Begum has the proven track record of community mobilization and leadership. There is a rare combination of social activism, intellectual superiority and public engagement skills within Doly Begum thus making her the best qualified candidate our community has ever seen. She stands out of the crowd through her political wisdom, skills, hard work, easy going approach and pleasant personality.
While the growth of our community is of paramount importance to us, the need for our representation in the political mosaic of Canada is equally instrumental. Is it a distant dream? Perhaps 7th June, 2018 will testify whether it is a dream or a reality. Doly Begum requires our support in unfolding a new chapter in Ontario’s political history. If we all extend our support forgetting our factional political disdain and personal ego, it will no longer be a distant dream. It will indeed be a reality that combines all Bangladeshi Canadian and Canadian Bangladeshi together for a new journey of political empowerment. Let us all try and hope to be a part of a historic moment, the moment that determines the emergence of Bangladeshi star(s) in the political landscape of Canada.
Syed Masiul Hasan / Toronto
