Speakers urged that the country can move forward by utilizing the strong positive mindset of the youth.
The government must work with and support young people to benefit the nation, they also said at the seminar titled “The Role of Youth in Nation Building,” held at Hotel Grand Park in Barishal.
The seminar was part of the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign, funded by USAID and organized by Democracy International. The campaign aims to involve and empower young people in nation-building.
Monira Akhtar, Assistant Professor of the Political Science Department at Barishal University, stated that for the improvement of the health sector, climate and environment, entrepreneurship, gender equality, and research, the youth must step forward. To address the discrepancies in various sectors of the state, everyone needs to take initiative from their perspectives.
Md Humayun Kabir, Head of the Sociology Department at Government Brojomohun College in Barishal, expressed hope regarding the youth’s dedication to development.
He stated that to make young people’s ideas a reality, both the government and citizens must work together. It is important for both sides to cooperate to successfully implement these ideas.
Nahin Rezwan, founder of the Center for Climate Research and Community Empowerment, highlighted that improving young people’s skills is essential for national development. He pointed out that skill development is limited in Bangladesh but is crucial for the country’s advancement.
Men and women must see each other as equals, support one another to reduce discrimination, and work together to help the country progress, said Farzana Ferdous, founder of Shahochori.
At the beginning of the event, Dipu Hafizur Rahman, Deputy Director of Democracy International in Barishal, introduced the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign.
He stated that young people’s ideas are vital for the country’s future and that everyone’s unique views will help the nation succeed.
Democracy International, under the USAID-funded Strengthening Political Landscape (SPIL) project, is running various programs through the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign across the country.
These activities include discussions, theater performances, and debate competitions at universities and in different districts to understand citizens’ expectations.
The campaign also collects feedback from citizens through the website amiojittechai.com.
In addition to discussions, the event included interactive theater, quizzes, a video message competition, and screenings of campaign videos.
Participants shared their thoughts on various current issues during these activities, and winners of the competitions received awards.
The opening remarks were given by Shubhankar Chakraborty, a member of the central council of the Bangladesh Group Theatre Federation. Other speakers included Awlad Khan, founder of the Barishal Blood Donors Club, Tahsin Uddin, founder of the Lal-Shobuj Society, and Sabiha Rahman Rupanti, a founding member of the entrepreneur development organization Manabi.
