Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) arranged ‘BYLC Running with Purpose 2019’ in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sports. The 7.5-kilometer running event at Hatirjheel, participated by hundreds of youth, children, and adults, was organised to observe this year’s UN International Youth Day’s theme — Transforming Education.
State Minister for Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Zahid Ahsan Russel in his speech as the chief guest underscored the need to ensure good health of students.
“We need to make sure that the wellbeing of students is given the same importance as academic subjects,” he said. “Our ministry is committed to working with young people to help improve their education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all.”
BYLC founder President Ejaj Ahmad said: “BYLC wants to promote the importance of good health by bringing people together to run. We also want to draw attention to young people’s right to equitable quality education as it is a fundamental tool for sustainable development.”
Dr Md Jafar Uddin, acting secretary for Ministry of Youth and Sports, said, “Running not only promotes good health, but there is also evidence to suggest that running leads to better emotional wellbeing as well as productivity at work. I congratulate BYLC for organising this event to draw attention to youth’s right to quality education.”
The run was organised with support from Manusher Jonno Foundation and UKaid, Praava Health, Purnava Naturals, Abdul Monem Limited, and Elite Force. The United News of Bangladesh (UNB) and Nagorik TV were the media partners for the event.