Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus on Monday urged young people across the country to actively engage in building the nation with their creativity, enthusiasm, and skills.
“I call every youth to contribute to the development of the society and the country with your talent, energy, and creativity. May your success not be limited to personal achievements but be an example for others to emulate,” he said.
He made these remarks while addressing the ‘Youth Volunteer Award 2025’ ceremony, held at Shapla Hall in his office and organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.
This year, 12 young individuals were honoured for their exceptional voluntary service and inspiring roles in society.
Yunus emphasised that the active participation of youth can resolve any national challenge.
“Today we are celebrating the power of youth. This is the driving force of our nation. I firmly believe that when the youth of a country remain active, energetic, and full of innovative spirit, no obstacle can hold back their progress,” he noted.
Beginning his address, he extended warm greetings to the guests and said he was “extremely delighted” to attend the event.
He also offered thanks to the Ministry of Youth and Sports for hosting the ceremony and expressed “heartfelt congratulations” to the award recipients.
Pointing to the diverse roles of young people, the chief adviser observed, “Youth are playing pioneering roles in healthcare, environmental protection, poverty alleviation, and in establishing social justice”.
He reminded the audience that youth movements have shaped history, including the mass uprising of 2024.
Acknowledging the difficulties ahead, he said, “New challenges will constantly appear on our way- whether it is public health, inadequate educational opportunities, or environmental crises. But instead of being disappointed by these challenges, we should face them unitedly with our own strength. I hope our youth will lead this work too”.
He stressed that volunteerism contributes not only to humanitarian causes but also to personal growth and leadership.
“We want our youth not only to remain volunteers but also to emerge as policymakers, innovators, and architects of change in society. This will only be possible when they will be able to build themselves with confidence, acquire the necessary skills, and focus on developing leadership qualities,” he remarked.
On the importance of the award itself, he explained, “Today’s award is not merely recognition, it is also a clarion call for you to be courageous, to take greater leadership, and to work with new ideas and innovations for the welfare of society.”
Highlighting the potential impact of youth involvement, he said, “In healthcare, even a small initiative taken by you can save thousands of children from disease. In education, your small efforts can advance the nation’s education standards by leaps and bounds”.
“In protecting the environment, your collective action can ensure a safe and green world for our future generations. Remember, every small step you take will open the path for major achievements of the country,” he continued.
While admitting that voluntary work is often difficult, Yunus added, “I know the path of voluntary service or any noble initiative is not smooth. One has to face challenges of time, money, and mental stress. But through these challenges, we have to acquire great qualities like patience, tolerance and leadership.”
“We want to see you as the pioneers of new policies, revolutionary ideas, and social transformation,” he affirmed.
He concluded by saying that the united efforts of youth will elevate Bangladesh as a humane, progressive, and innovative nation. Offering his closing remarks, he congratulated the honorees: “I extend my warmest felicitations once again to you- on my behalf, on behalf of the state, and on behalf of the entire nation”.
Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain, Secretary of the ministry Md Mahbub-Ul-Alam and award winner Suraiya Farhana Reshma also spoke at the event.
