Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar spoke as the chief guest at a discussion marking International Education Day 2026, held in Dhaka today. Photo: PID

DHAKA, Jan 24, 2026 (BSS) - Education Adviser Professor Dr. Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has emphasized on making the educational institutions into hubs of democratic practices to promote free thinking and creativity among youths out of textbook reading.

He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion held at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium on Saturday marking the International Education Day 2026.

Highlighting the importance of meaningful role of education sector in nation building he said education plays a crucial role in creating worthy citizen, develop values and responsibility in youths.

He stressed that the youth participation in the social, democratic and nation building activities should not be symbolic or tokenistic, but real and effective. 

“No sustainable change is possible without the active opinions and involvement of young people,” he said.

Expressing concern over growing intolerance in society, the adviser noted that humiliating individuals for their culture and identity is unacceptable. 

He urged young people to protest and resist such one-dimensional thinking from their respective positions. 

He also emphasized the need for continuous insightful administrative dialogue to ensure proper representation of ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities, and marginalized communities in all national activities.

Referring to the role of youth in shaping a new Bangladesh, Abrar said when civil rights was under threat it was the youth who showed the path to change. 

He called for increased youth representation not only in educational institutions but also across all state structures including the National Parliament. 

Dr. Abrar further stressed the importance of organizations, clubs, and cultural organizations within the educational institutions to nurture students’ latent talents. 

He said the government is working to mobilize necessary resources and ensure a supportive environment, noting that a comprehensive policy has already been formulated through consultations with relevant stakeholders.

Education Secretary Rehana Parven attended the event as special guest.