Photo: BSS

KHULNA, March 10, 2026 (BSS) - Administrator of Khulna City Corporation (KCC) 
Nazrul Islam Manju today said the role of youths is extremely important in 
the country's development and progress.

"A conscious young generation can build a just, democratic and developed 
society," he said while addressing the inaugural session of the annual 
Children and Youth Conference held at CSS Ava Centre in the city this 
afternoon as the chief guest.

The conference was organised by World Vision Bangladesh with the theme 
"Tarunnyer Protyoye Muche Jabe Bhed, Gorbo Sushashon O Sompritir Bangladesh" 
(With the spirit of youth, divisions will disappear and a Bangladesh of good 
governance and harmony will be built).

Manju said though it is often said that today's children and youths are the 
future leaders of the country, the statement is not always reflected in 
reality.

He noted that many children in slum areas avoid school and their parents 
often prefer that their children earn money rather than pursue education. He 
said proposals would be sent to the government to bring such children back to 
schools.

He added that steps are being taken to ensure proper cleaning of drains to 
eliminate mosquito breeding grounds and to place hanging electric cables 
underground to make the city safer.

He expressed the hope that the city corporation would cooperate with 
initiatives undertaken by World Vision to develop children and youths at 
different levels.

World Vision Bangladesh has been implementing the "Khulna City Area 
Programme" since 2024 in 31 wards of the city in coordination with government 
and non-government organisations to support disadvantaged communities, 
particularly in education, health, nutrition, child protection, livelihood 
and economic development.

Different sessions of the conference highlighted responsible online behaviour 
among youths, media awareness and the proper use of technology to bring 
positive social change.

If the young generation moves forward with unity, honesty and a sense of 
responsibility, it will be possible to build a well-governed, harmonious and 
prosperous city, Manju hoped.

Senior Manager of World Vision Bangladesh Fuli Sarkar presided over the 
conference. Among others, Assistant Director of Department of Youth 
Development Bangladesh in Khulna S M Badiuzzaman, Superintendent of Police of 
Police Bureau of Investigation Bangladesh Khulna Reshma Sharmin, Chief 
Executive of Rupantar Swapan Guha, Vice-President of the Youth Forum Afroza 
Swarna and Secretary Khandakar Walid also spoke on the occasion.