President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called for expanding skills-based training, providing financial support to small entrepreneurs and creating employment opportunities for young people to harness the country's demographic dividend.
He made the call while addressing, as the chief guest, the inaugural ceremony of the National Youth Day 2026 at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.
The President said the youth are the country's most valuable human resource and the key driving force behind national development. "Bangladesh cannot move forward through political change alone," he said.
He said the country must make the best use of its large young population to strengthen its capacity and prepare for graduation from the least developed country (LDC) category.
Mirza Fakhrul stressed the need to make young people employment-oriented and equip them with productive skills so they can contribute to the national economy.
Referring to the achievements of young entrepreneurs, including women entrepreneurs, he said many are successfully expanding their businesses and exporting products despite having limited capital.
The President said the government should provide aspiring entrepreneurs with proper training and minimum financial assistance to help them become self-reliant.
He also called for expanding the programmes of the Department of Youth Development across the country, particularly its training and loan facilities, so that more young people can benefit.
Mirza Fakhrul emphasised the need to shift towards a need-based education system, saying greater importance should be given to vocational and technical education to meet domestic and international labour market demands.
Bangladesh can earn significantly more foreign currency if it sends skilled workers abroad, he said, adding that technical training institutions should be expanded.
Highlighting the potential of biogas, the President said the technology can help rural families, particularly those involved in livestock farming, produce energy from animal waste and reduce pressure on the country's energy supply.
He also expressed concern over the growing drug addiction among young people, calling for effective measures to address the problem.
Unemployment and frustration, Mirza Fakhrul said, are among the factors contributing to drug addiction, making it necessary to create employment opportunities and raise awareness.
He urged young people to stand against violence against women, dowry and all forms of discrimination, calling for community-based organisations and movements to resist such social problems.
The President also stressed ensuring equal opportunities for young women in education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.
Referring to the country's political transition, he said the opportunities created through the establishment of a democratic system should be utilised for national development.
Mirza Fakhrul called on political parties to focus on parliament-centred politics and resolve national issues through discussions in parliament.
He congratulated the recipients of the National Youth Award and Youth Volunteer Award, saying their achievements will inspire other young people.
The President urged the youth never to give up and remain committed to building a self-reliant, skilled, technology-oriented and humane Bangladesh. "Never give up. We will continue our struggle and move forward," he said.
Upon his arrival at the venue, the President was received by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Abul Khair Bhuiyan, acting Secretary Md Mahfuzul Alam Khan, and Director General of the Department of Youth Development Md Motaher Hossain.
Following the reception, he visited exhibition stalls showcasing youth activities and a job fair set up at the conference centre.