Dhaka:President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has emphasized the importance of an organized, skilled, and committed youth population as the country's most valuable asset. He highlighted the necessity for collective efforts to ensure quality education, modern technological skills, and sustainable employment opportunities for the youth.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, the President issued a message on the eve of National Youth Day 2026, which will be observed on November 1. He stated that the youth are a vital force for the nation and a principal determinant of its development. The President acknowledged the significant role played by young people in major democratic achievements, including the historic Language Movement, the Liberation War, and the mass uprisings of the 1990s and 2024.
The President remarked that developing youth into skilled and productive human resources would accelerate the journey toward a self-reliant, developed, and modern Bangladesh. He described this year's theme, "Skilled Youth Will Build the Nation, Bangladesh for All," as fitting, considering that a large portion of the country's population is young, representing its greatest potential.
He stressed the need for proper utilization of the demographic dividend to ensure inclusive development and achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030. This includes ensuring quality education, modern technological skills, improved healthcare services, and sustainable employment opportunities.
The President recalled the foundational vision and programs laid by Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman to transform young people into a productive workforce, further strengthened by former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia. He mentioned the current government's various initiatives involving public and private stakeholders to modernize youth development efforts.
These initiatives include training provided by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Department of Youth Development in fields such as agriculture, handicrafts, technical education, freelancing, and artificial intelligence. He expressed hope that these initiatives would help develop young people into entrepreneurs and self-reliant citizens.
Highlighting the importance of youth participation in building a healthy society, the President called for social movements and voluntary activities to combat drug abuse, protect the environment, prevent violence against women and children, and resist social degradation. He urged the private sector, social organizations, and affluent individuals and families to collaborate with the government to ensure the overall development and welfare of young people and help build a just and humane state.
The President concluded by wishing success to all programs organized for National Youth Day 2026, emphasizing the collective commitment to ensuring dignified employment and a bright future for the youth.