Speakers at the Rajshahi Children and Youth Festival highlighted the necessity of grooming children and youth as competent, educated, humane, and responsible citizens to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh. The event, organized by World Vision Bangladesh's Rajshahi City Area Development Program (ADP) with the theme “Wake up, Unite, Enlighten: Let's build a child- and youth-friendly Bangladesh,” took place at the Caritas Regional Office in the Mahishbathan area of Rajshahi. Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam, who addressed the event as the chief guest, emphasized the importance of such initiatives in ensuring the rights, leadership, and participation of children and youth. He noted that these events provide opportunities for children and youth to become aware of their rights and prepare for future leadership roles.
Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam said, 'Today's children and youth are the future of tomorrow. To build a developed and prosperous country, they must be groomed as worthy citizens. With that goal in mind, the government has made education free. Education is one of the main tools for changing people's lives.' He further stressed that institutional education alone is not sufficient; children and youth must also be inspired by human values, a sense of responsibility, and patriotism. They must start preparing now to lead the country by utilizing their skills and qualifications.
The festival, which saw participation from 100 youths across 30 wards of Rajshahi City Corporation, discussed various topics including children's and youth's rights, education, security, leadership development, drug prevention, and preparation for future careers. In a debate competition on the theme 'Youth leadership is most important to build a child- and youth-friendly Bangladesh,' the opposition team of Rajshahi City Seven Children Forum emerged victorious. Rajshahi City Seven Youth Forum also participated in the debate.
Lotus Chisim, Senior Manager of the Area Development Program Coordination Office, chaired the event and highlighted the aim of strengthening the voice, leadership, and participation of children and youth. She stressed the need to ensure children's rights and create a safe, inclusive, and child- and youth-friendly environment for them.
Other notable speakers included District Children Affairs Officer Manjurul Quadir, Boalia Unit Metro Thana Youth Development Officer Md Rokunuzzaman, and Rajshahi City Corporation Education Officer Almahmud Rony, who spoke as special guests. The event underscored the collective effort required to nurture the next generation as responsible and capable leaders of the nation.
