Bangladesh is advancing quickly in education, technology, infrastructure and the economy. Young boys and girls of today will become engineers, scientists, entrepreneurs, sporting stars, public servants and leaders of tomorrow. An important factor to remember when preparing our young people for a future full of competition and technology is that a country’s future is dependent on the health of its youth. Keeping our young people healthy helps create a strong foundation for them to become more physically fit, mentally tough, disciplined and confident. Habits developed at this stage will often continue through their adult lives.
With the rise of smartphone technology, video games, social media, academic competition and city lifestyles in Bangladesh, it is more important than ever to keep boys and girls healthy. Not long ago, many children in Bangladesh would play lots of sports such as football, cricket, kabaddi, etc. during their free time. Playing outside was a big part of their childhood. Now, however, many children are spending a lot more time inside playing on their devices. Whilst technology is great, there is concern over less physical activity.
Regular physical activity is essential to ensure healthy growth. Getting at least 1 hour of physical activity a day can help strengthen muscles and bones, improve heart health, reduce stress and boost confidence. Playing sport can also teach important life skills. Teamwork, discipline, persistence, leadership and good sportsmanship will all help young people throughout their lives. Often, children who play sport tend to be healthier, happier and more resilient.
Whilst Bangladesh has seen incredible improvements in reducing malnutrition in the last few decades, there are issues with nutrition. Some children still suffer from a lack of nutrition; however, many are consuming far too much processed food, sugary drinks and fast food. As packaged foods such as crisps, fried foods and sugary drinks become increasingly popular, many young people’s diets have changed. Unfortunately, these foods often contain lots of sugar, salt and unhealthy fats and aren’t very nutritious. Many traditional Bangladeshi foods are, however, highly nutritious. Eating fish, eggs, lentils, milk, seasonal fruits, vegetables, and balanced meals with rice or whole grains will provide all the nutrients needed to stay healthy. Parents and schools should encourage healthy eating habits. Eating a healthy breakfast will help children concentrate better during school. Eating healthily will help their physical development.
Many students nowadays tend to stay up late studying, watching videos, scrolling on social media and playing online games. Whilst education is very important, it can cause problems if they are not getting enough sleep. Teenagers usually need between 8-10 hours of sleep a night whilst their bodies grow, repair and learn. If they do not sleep enough, they may become less focused, perform poorly in school, experience mood swings and be less physically fit. Parents and educators should encourage good sleeping habits by making sure they go to bed at the same time each night and not using screens before bed. A well-rested student will be able to learn better in class and participate in extracurricular activities.
Whilst Bangladesh has improved greatly in public health, there are still many preventable illnesses. Practicing good personal hygiene is one of the easiest ways to keep ourselves healthy. Washing hands regularly, having a shower every day, wearing clean clothes, drinking clean water and looking after teeth can all help prevent many infections and illnesses. This is very important in busy cities and schools where germs can easily spread. Simple changes to daily life can help keep us healthy. Good hygiene will also help young people feel proud and confident.
Young people today face many pressures that previous generations didn’t. With academic competition, exam stress, social pressure and social media, it can cause anxiety. Unfortunately, mental health is not often talked about in our society. Many boys and girls are taught to hide how they are feeling.
We need to change this mindset. Young people should know that asking for help shows maturity and strength. Parents, teachers and mentors should encourage open communication and create a positive environment. Having a strong mind is just as important as having a strong body.
The new generation in Bangladesh is growing up in the digital age. They have access to so much information, education and opportunities due to the internet. Technology can be a great tool to help with learning and developing skills; however, too much screen time can cause problems. We shouldn’t avoid using technology; rather, we should use it wisely. Teaching young people to find a balance between screen time and outdoor activities, reading, hobbies, family time and physical activity.
The future workforce of Bangladesh will need to have digital skills, but they will also need to be healthy, disciplined and sociable.
Healthy living is linked to developing good character. Being respectful, honest, disciplined, responsible and kind will help you and your country succeed. We should encourage children to be respectful to parents and teachers, help their community, look after the environment and help their peers. This will help both individuals and society.
As Bangladesh continues to move into a knowledge-based and technological country, having good character and integrity will be one of our most valuable assets.
The future of Bangladesh will be shaped by our youth. They will be leading our institutions, innovating our industries and contributing to our communities. Healthy living should therefore be seen as an investment in our country’s future. Families, schools, community groups, sports clubs and policy-makers can all help create environments for healthy habits.
By encouraging regular physical activity, eating healthily, getting enough sleep, practicing good hygiene, having a strong mind, being responsible with technology and developing positive character, we can help raise a generation of healthy, skilled and confident young Bangladeshis.
A stronger Bangladesh starts with strong boys and girls who have healthy habits in their daily lives.
The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author
The writer is the Managing Director and CEO, Bangladesh Satellite Company Limited
