Japanese Ambassador to Bangladesh Ito Naoki has expressed his hope that the young generation will forge a greater Bangladesh-Japan cultural relationship as the two countries will celebrate the 50 years of diplomatic relations next year. Ambassador Naoki took part in the cosplay competition as a judge and interacted with many anime fans. He thanked the AnimeCon Dhaka team for organizing this year’s event. Read: Myanmar to take back Rohingyas gradually, hopes Foreign Minister

State Minister for Foreign Affairs M Shahriar Alam has said it is time to allow young generation dream big and address any skill gaps in their career path through training in communication, cooperation and leadership. Support and cooperation from all the stakeholders including private sectors, NGOs, development partners in the forms of knowledge, skills and technology as well as investment are needed in the employment generation and skill development of youth to utilise their full potential, he said. Read:Ambassador Muhith takes over chairmanship of Asia-Pacific Group in Vienna The State Minister made the remarks while addressing a policy dialogue virtually titled “Skill Development of Youth for Better Employment Opportunity” as the chief guest. Syeda Saima Ahmed, Councillor, Ilford Town, London Borough of Redbridge and Tasmiah Rahman, Head of Strategy & Business Development, BRAC took part as the panelists at the event held on Saturday evening. The dialogue was chaired by Tasnuva Ahmed, President, JCI Dhaka Independent and moderated by its Director Mahfuz Mishu. Junior Chamber International, commonly referred to as JCI, is a non-profit international non-governmental organization of young people aged 18 to 40 years who are engaged and committed to creating impact in their communities. The State Minister said the government of Bangladesh has already taken numerous initiatives to ensure maximum utilisation of youth potential through promoting their empowerment, morality, humanity and commitment to uphold the responsibilities and glory of Bangladesh. He said there are certain challenges that they need to address together. "We need to ensure full employment and decent work for all men and women including the youths by 2030," said the State Minister. He said global standard education and skill development are twin key factors to this endeavour. Read:EU delegation launches Climate Adaptation Campaign

Voicing deep concerns over the growing abuse of drugs by the young generation, Jatiya Party Chairman GM Quader on Sunday urged the government to form a special unit to deal with it. “The consequences of the growing drug abuse will be as dire as militancy. If the spread is not controlled, the next generation will be destroyed,” he said in a statement. Read:People lost faith in govt assurance about vaccination: GM Quader Referring to media reports, the Jatiya Party chief said people know that the young generation has got addicted to deadly drugs like LSD, Ice and Khat. “Besides, Yaba, Phensedyl, liquor and hemp are now near at hand. Nothing can be more shocking than this for the nation,” he observed. Read: GM Quader slams govt. for vaccine uncertainty GM Quader, also the deputy opposition leader in parliament, said the future generation will become unusable, violent and uncivilised if they cannot be saved from the horrific curse of drugs. “The immense potential of youth will be damaged.” He also warned that the law-and-order situation will collapse if the spread of narcotic drugs cannot be controlled. Read: Indian variant of Covid may wreak havoc on Bangladesh: GM Quader GM Quader said several hundred incidents of extrajudicial killings had taken place in the past three years in the name of anti-drug drives, but there has been no achievement. Under the circumstances, he said, the government must take effective initiatives right now to eliminate drug abuse and protect the young generation.

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen on Saturday termed Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina a real visionary leader, saying that she has given hope and vision to the young generation who will help keep the wheels of development moving.