Youth power vital for national growth: Tarique Rahman

Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stated that the youth are the driving force and core vitality of any nation, highlighting their indispensable contributions to establishing an independent Bangladesh, overcoming national crises, and propelling development.

In a message issued on Saturday ahead of National Youth Day 2026—celebrated on Sunday, November 1—the Prime Minister emphasized the historical role young people have played in building the country.

He recalled that martyr President Ziaur Rahman recognized the potential of the youth and established the Ministry of Youth Development in 1978, while former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia expanded vocational training centers across all districts in 1991 to empower youth with self-reliance and practical skills.

Highlighting administrative progress, the Prime Minister noted that the Department of Youth Development has trained over 80 lakh young men and women, helping nearly 25 lakh establish self-employment ventures earning between Tk 20,000 to over Tk 1 lakh monthly.

He added that Tk 2,861.87 crore in youth loans has been disbursed through June 2026, alongside recognizing 546 self-reliant individuals and youth organizers with the National Youth Award.

Emphasizing technological adaptation, Prime Minister Tarique Rahman stressed that acquiring artificial intelligence (AI) and technical skills is essential in the rapidly changing global landscape.

He outlined government initiatives including freelance AI training, environmental conservation through biogas projects under the IMPACT scheme, and a newly allocated Tk 500 crore startup fund to ensure innovative ideas do not fail due to a lack of capital.

Calling upon the youth to dedicate themselves to national advancement under this year's theme—"Skilled Youth Will Build the Nation, Bangladesh for All"—he reaffirmed the government's commitment to fostering a modern, competitive workforce across smart agriculture, export packaging, food processing, and foreign language training.

-SA