Through sessions, panel discussions and workshops focusing on urgent challenges facing youth, such as air pollution, road crashes and gender inequality, speakers urged Carnival participants to act on issues that move them.
In her keynote speech at the closing ceremony, Judith Herbertson, head of DFID Bangladesh, stated that in order to practise leadership without relying on those in power, the youth need to focus on the work at centre rather than any individual.
“If your leadership practice is all about you, it’s probably best if you stop now. Leadership is not about any individual but rather about focusing on the collective good,” she said.
Ejaj Ahmad, founder and president of BYLC, echoed her sentiment, adding, “You need to start with purpose. Leadership is not about drawing attention to yourselves but rather to the work that needs to get done.”
At a session organised by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI), panelists underscored some of the key leadership attributes of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman.
Bangabandhu was a visionary, capable of putting the public good ahead of self-interest and had an unparalleled ability to mobilise millions of people around a common vision. Today’s youth have much to learn from his life and leadership, said the panelists.
Speaking as the chief guest at the closing ceremony, State Minister for Youth and Sports Zahid Ahsan Russel congratulated BYLC for organising such an informative and engaging event for the youth. “Events such as BYLC Youth Carnival can play a crucial role to build the capacity of youth and help channel their energy in a positive direction,” he said.
Noting that empowering the youth is a top priority of the present government, the state minister said it is taking necessary steps to engage them in various development activities.
“Not many countries have the wonderful resources as we have in Bangladesh- our proactive youth. We’re fortunate to have a great number of people representing the youth at this point in our country, and to achieve our long-term development goals, we need to utilise our youth in the best possible way and empowering the youth is among the government's top priorities,” he said.
Citing Awami League’s election manifesto where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina announced to transform this ministry into a separate and special youth department, Russel said youth training and recreation centres will be established in 492 upazilas to achieve that goal.
News agency United News of Bangladesh (UNB) was the online media partner of the event.