Photo: BSS

RAJSHAHI, Aug 13, 2026 (BSS) - Speakers at a meeting here today underscored the need to groom children and youth as competent, educated, humane and responsible citizens to build a developed and prosperous Bangladesh.

They made the remarks while speaking at the Rajshahi Children and Youth Festival at the conference room of the Caritas Regional Office in the Mahishbathan area of the city.

World Vision Bangladesh's Rajshahi City Area Development Program (ADP) organised the festival with the theme “Wake up, Unite, Enlighten: Let's build a child- and youth-friendly Bangladesh.”

Rajshahi Deputy Commissioner Kazi Shahidul Islam addressed the event as the chief guest, while Senior Manager of the Area Development Program Coordination Office Lotus Chisim chaired the event.

District Children Affairs Officer Manjurul Quadir, Boalia Unit Metro Thana Youth Development Officer Md Rokunuzzaman and Rajshahi City Corporation Education Officer Almahmud Rony spoke as special guests.

Appreciating the initiative of World Vision Bangladesh, Kazi Shahidul Islam said such events are important to ensure the rights, leadership and participation of children and youth.

Through such initiatives, children and youth get opportunities to become aware of their rights and prepare themselves for future leadership, he said. 

Addressing the children and youth, the Deputy Commissioner 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.”

The Deputy Commissioner further said it is not enough to receive only institutional education; 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 utilising their skills and qualifications.

The festival discussed children's and youth's rights, education, security, leadership development, drug prevention and preparation for future careers.

In the debate competition on “Youth leadership is most important to build a child- and youth-friendly Bangladesh,” the opposition team of Rajshahi City Seven Children Forum won.

Rajshahi City Seven Youth Forum also took part in the debate.

Lotus Chisim said the aim of the event was to further strengthen the voice, leadership and participation of children and youth. Along with ensuring children's rights, a safe, inclusive and child- and youth-friendly environment must be created for them.

A total of 100 youths from 30 wards of Rajshahi City Corporation participated in the festival.