Special Representative

24 October 2024 Venue: Conference Room,
Department of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dhaka.
Supported by Educo Bangladesh and ChildFund Korea, Nari Maitree and Sachatan Society Organized and celebrate the achievements of 61 talented adolescents and youth from Dhaka and Rajshahi.

The Chief Guest for the event was Dr. Gazi Md. Saifuzzaman, Director General of the Department of Youth Development, Ministry of Youth and Sports. The Special Guests included Mr. M A Akher, Director (Administration), Joint Secretary at the Department of Youth Development; Ms. Umama Fatema, Central Spokesperson for the Anti-Discrimination Student Movement; Mr. Md. Hasinul Islam, Executive Director of Sachatan Society; and Mr. Zahidul Islam, News Editor at Bangladesh Television. Program Director of Educo Bangladesh, Mr. Abdur Rahim, was also present. The event was chaired by Ms. Shaheen Akter Dolly, Executive Director of Nari Maitree. Other distinguished guests included Thana Secondary Education Officers, Thana Youth Development Officers, Head Teachers, Coaches, NGO representatives, young talents, parents, and Educo Bangladesh, Nari Maitree, and Sachatan Society staffs.

The event began with a welcome speech by Ms. Shaheen Akter Dolly. She emphasized that this program provides a unique platform for young, talented individuals to share their stories of success. She highlighted that the journey began a year ago with Educo Bangladesh’s "Supporting Talented Adolescents and Youth to Reinforce Their Skills" (STARS) project. These 61 adolescents and youths have now become resilient leaders, equipped with the skills to contribute to the nation’s progress in the 21st century.

Chief Guest Dr. Gazi Mohammad. Saifuzzaman stated that the 61 talented adolescents and youths are valuable assets to Bangladesh. He reiterated that youth are the driving force behind the country’s development, and their intelligence and creativity will propel the nation forward. He stressed that the success of these young individuals not only brings pride to them personally but also to the entire nation. He encouraged them to continue innovating and to work with a sense of patriotism to build a brighter future for the country.

Special Guest Mr. M A Akher commended the youth on their achievements, noting that today's success is just the beginning of a brighter future. He emphasized that the intelligence, innovative thinking, and dedication of the youth are crucial for the country's growth. The Department of Youth Development will continue to stand by them and work to enhance their leadership skills and talents. He also encouraged them to continue their educational pursuits to further improve themselves and wished them success in their future endeavors.

Ms. Umama Fatema, another Special Guest, addressed the adolescents and youth by reflecting on the past and how the fascist government had once destroyed the country's intellectual resources. She discussed the history of the anti-discrimination movement and pointed out that change will take time, and there is still a long way to go. She stressed the importance of the youth’s role in bringing about positive change in society, urging them to continue fighting against discrimination and to ensure equal opportunities at every level. By fostering innovative thinking and staying committed to justice, she said, they would lead the country forward.

The event concluded with closing remarks by Mr. Md. Hasinul Islam, Executive Director of Sachatan Society, who expressed his hope for collective cooperation to strengthen the journey of the youth’s success. He emphasized that this collaboration would pave the way for future achievements.