Eminent educationist Prof Muzaffer Ahmad yesterday called for efficient use of human, water and land resources to achieve sustainable development.

“We are using our water and land in an unplanned way for many years. As a result, the country is now facing a famine-like situation.' he said at a semi narin the city.

This century would be Asian century, he said, adding that India and China are already showing that

sign. ’We will also have to cope with the pace and make our way to development."

Private University Student Welfare Foundation (PUSWF) organised the seminar titled The 21st century is Asian: Including Bangladesh?’ at the Russian Cultural Centre in the city.

Speaking as the chief guest. Prof Muzaffer said education should be linked to the practical aspects of life, otherwise the country would not achieve the desired progress.

" Unless we 1 ink our education to

our everyday life, the country will not be able to prosper the way we dream of it. " he said.

Prof Muzaffer urged the policymakers to develop the primary education system.

Fie said some people can afford to pay the high cost of education in the private universities, while some others cannot afford to buy books or go to school. Such gaps should be closed, he added.

Prof Muzaffer urged the students to be politically conscious, but not to be used by unscrupulous

political leaders who use student politics for their own interest.

"Student politics itself is not a problem, but problem arises when it is used for evil purposes or as a pawn by the political parties," he added.

Mark Bickerton, director. Student Recruitment and International Development, London Metropolitan University, delivered the keynote speech at the seminar chaired by Asaduzzaman Rano, secretary general of the welfare foundation.