Speakers at a dialogue emphasized that empowering the youth is essential for transforming Bangladesh into a sustainable, knowledge-based and innovation-driven nation. The remarks came at the event titled “Bangladesh Next: Youth Empowerment Dialogue”, jointly organized by JCI Dhaka Aspirants and the Private University National Association of Bangladesh (PUNAB), with support from Panam Dialogues, recently held at the Bishwo Shahitto Kendro auditorium.
The discussion highlighted the urgent need to strengthen youth leadership, enhance skills, and expand practice-oriented education across the country. The session was presided over by Barrister S. M. Abid Ur Rahman, President of JCI Dhaka Aspirants. He described the young generation as the driving force behind national development, stating, “The youth will lead the policymaking and technology-driven transformation of tomorrow’s Bangladesh.”
The keynote address was delivered by Dr. Ehsanul Haque Milon, former State Minister for Education. He stressed that meaningful national progress is impossible without application-based education. “Education must be treated as a national investment, not a commercial commodity,” he said. He further emphasized the need for a unified framework to improve the skills, ethics, and leadership qualities of private university students. Dr. Milon also called for expanding opportunities in research, innovation, and employment for young people.
Young leaders from various sectors participated in the dialogue and shared their insights and recommendations. Among those who spoke were: Arefeen Ahmed Raafi, Deputy National President of JCI Bangladesh; Md. Shafiul Alam, CEO of Protein Market; Tonuka Tasnuva, Urban and Regional Planner; Dr. Atikur Rahman Mujahid, Joint Convener of NCP; Barrister Shahedul Azam, Organisational Secretary of NDM; Mohammad Sajal, Clinical Nutritionist; Zahedul Islam, Member Secretary of Juboshokti; Mrinmoy Mizan, Convener of Biplobi Sangskritik Oikya; Jahid Ahsan, President of Jatiyo Chhatroshakti; Md. Tanvir Ahmed, Advocate, Supreme Court of Bangladesh; Shaykh Musa Al Hafiz, Writer and Philosopher; Asif Abdullah, Student Transportation Secretary of DUCSU and Senate Member of Dhaka University; and Aminul Islam, Joint General Secretary of AB Party.
The event concluded on an inspiring note, transforming into a lively gathering that reflected the commitment and optimism of young participants eager to play a key role in shaping the future of Bangladesh.
