Youth urged to fight corruption, defend human rights
Deputy Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad Barrister Kayser Kamal has said today’s youth will lead efforts to build a better Bangladesh in the future, urging them to uphold the rule of law, transparency, accountability and fundamental human rights.
“We want to build a Bangladesh where the rule of law, transparency and accountability prevail and people’s fundamental human rights are ensured,” he said while addressing the Bangladesh Youth Model United Nations (BYMUN) 2026 conference as the chief guest at the LD Hall of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad.
Organised by Future Bangladesh, the two-day conference began on Friday.
Kamal urged young people to look beyond the pursuit of GPA-5 grades and apply their talents and innovative thinking in positive and inclusive ways to help build the Bangladesh they aspire to see.
He said the country needed a generation of well-educated citizens committed to human values and democratic principles.
Highlighting the role of young people in Bangladesh’s history, the Deputy Speaker said they had led many major movements. Referring to the final fact-finding report published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), he said many of those killed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising were young people.
He added that young people had consistently participated in movements to uphold social dignity and ensure equal opportunities.
Bangladesh had fallen behind in various indicators since 2006, Kamal said, stressing the need for renewed efforts to regain momentum.
He expressed hope that young people would work together to transform Bangladesh into a world-class nation, according to a press release from the Parliament Secretariat.
The Deputy Speaker also urged those pursuing higher education abroad to return home and take the lead in shaping the country’s future.
He encouraged young people to speak out against corruption and attend parliamentary sessions to observe how policymakers debate issues and reach decisions.
Emphasising the importance of constructive disagreement, Kamal said people could hold different opinions, but decision-makers should seek to understand the reasoning behind opposing views.
“Effective leadership means creating space for others, strengthening mutual trust and enabling meaningful cooperation,” he said.
Around 500 young delegates from more than 200 schools, colleges and universities across all 64 districts are participating in the conference.
Prime Minister’s Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Chief Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Affairs at the Prime Minister’s Office Professor Dr SM Abdul-Awal, and BRAC University Registrar Dr David Doland also addressed the session.
