Disaster Management and Relief Minister Asadul Habib Dulu on Sunday said Bangladesh will become stronger as a nation if its youth are made skilled, productive and self-reliant.
"Youth are the greatest strength of a country. They are patriotic, courageous and strong. If we can utilise this strength in the country's development activities, Bangladesh will become stronger as a nation," he said.
The minister was speaking as the chief guest at an event marking National Youth Day in Lalmonirhat.
He said the youth played important roles in the 1952 Language Movement, the 1971 Liberation War, the 1990 anti-autocracy movement and the 2024 mass uprising.
"The thoughts, vision and enthusiasm of young people are among the key driving forces behind the country's future," he said, stressing the need to utilise their talent, courage, patriotism and capacity for work.
Dulu said young people should be developed not only as job seekers but also as entrepreneurs.
He stressed the need to involve them in the country's development by enhancing their skills, creating employment opportunities and making them self-reliant.
The event was held under the theme "Skilled youth will build the country, Bangladesh for all" and chaired by District Commissioner Md Rashedul Hoque Prodhan.
Police Superintendent Md Ashaduzzaman and Zila Parishad Administrator AKM Mominul Haque were present as special guests, while Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development Md Abdus Salam Sikder delivered the welcome address.