Deputy Speaker says youth leadership will shape Bangladesh’s future

Deputy Speaker of Jatiya Sangsad (JS) Barrister Kayser Kamal today said the youth of today would lead the way in building a better Bangladesh in the future.

"We want to build a Bangladesh where the rule of law, transparency and accountability prevail and people's fundamental human rights are ensured," he said while addressing the Bangladesh Youth Model United Nations (BYMUN) 2026 conference as the chief guest at the LD Hall of the Bangladesh Jatiya Sangsad.

Future Bangladesh organised the two-day conference, which began today.

The Deputy Speaker said young people should move beyond the pursuit of GPA-5 grades and use their talent and innovative thinking in positive and inclusive ways to help build the Bangladesh they aspire to see.

He said the country needed a generation of well-educated citizens who uphold human values and democratic principles.

Kayser Kamal said young people had led many of the major movements in Bangladesh's history. Referring to the final fact-finding report published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR),

he said many of those killed during the July-August 2024 mass uprising were young people.

He said young people had consistently taken part in movements to uphold social dignity and ensure equal opportunities.

Unfortunately, Bangladesh had fallen behind in various indicators since 2006, he said, adding that the country needed renewed efforts to regain momentum.

He expressed hope that young people would work together to transform Bangladesh into a world-class nation, said a press release of parliament secretariat.

The Deputy Speaker also urged young people who go abroad for higher education to return home and take the lead in shaping the country's future.

He advised them to raise their voices against corruption and visit parliamentary sessions to observe how policymakers debate issues and reach decisions.

Emphasising the importance of constructive disagreement, Kayser Kamal said people could hold different opinions, but decision-makers should try to understand the reasoning behind opposing views.

"Effective leadership means creating space for others, strengthening mutual trust and enabling meaningful cooperation," he said.

Around 500 young delegates from more than 200 schools, colleges and universities across all 64 districts are participating in the conference.

Among others, Prime Minister's Adviser and PMO Spokesperson Mahdi Amin, Chief Coordinator for Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Affairs at the Prime Minister's Office Professor Dr SM Abdul-Awal, and BRAC University Registrar Dr David Doland addressed the session.