Young people will shape the future of Bangladesh. They are the builders of our hopes and dreams, according to speakers at the “Role of Youth in Nation Building” event held on Saturday at the Bangabandhu Smriti Complex in Barguna.
The discussion was part of the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign, a youth-focused initiative funded by USAID and organized by Democracy International.
Monir Hossen Kamal, President of the Barguna Shocheton Nagorik Committee (SONAK), emphasized that the youth have always taken a stand against injustice and will continue to do so. He expressed his hope that young people will raise their voices against any form of oppression. “For our youth to achieve their dreams, we must support them. Their energy and strength are vital for achieving our national goals,” he said.
Ranju Ara Shipu, Special Public Prosecutor for the Barguna Women and Children Repression Prevention Tribunal, encouraged the youth to stay away from drugs. She highlighted the negative impact of substance abuse on families and urged the youth to avoid these harmful paths. “The youth are a source of our nation’s pride. They must stay on the right path to contribute positively to our country” she said.
The event opened with a welcome speech from Dipu Hafizur Rahman, Deputy Director of Democracy International’s Barishal Division. He invited youth to participate and share their demands and ideas to help shape policies that drives the nation.
The “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign is part of USAID’s Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project, with Democracy International organizing events ranging discussions, theater performances, and debate competitions. Through this campaign, citizens can share their opinions and demands on the website www.amiojittechai.com.
In addition to the discussion, the event featured an interactive theater performance, a quiz, a video message competition, and a screening of campaign reels. Participants shared ideas for addressing current issues, and winners of the competitions received prizes from special guests.
More than 200 young students from local educational institutions attended, along with leaders and volunteers from various cultural and social organizations. Many students expressed excitement about having a platform to share their views on national issues and hope that this campaign will connect youth voices with policymakers.
Other speakers included Abu Jafar Md. Saleh, former General Secretary of the Barguna Press Club, and Chittaranjan Shil, former President of the Press Club and a notable cultural figure.
