The government has decided to observe National Youth Day on November 1 every year, while International Youth Day will continue to be marked on August 12 separately.
The Cabinet, in a meeting held at the Secretariat on Thursday with Prime Minister Tarique Rahman in the chair, approved a proposal placed by the Ministry of Youth and Sports in this regard.
Previously, National Youth Day was observed on 1 November and International Youth Day is marked on 12 August every year.
However, during the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus, the Advisory Council decided to observe both occasions on the same day.
Both days were observed together on 12 August, 2025, but the decision created challenges as the monsoon season affected youth rallies, gatherings and youth fairs.
The Cabinet Division said youth entrepreneurs faced difficulties displaying and selling their products due to adverse weather conditions. It also noted that organising youth fairs on a date other than National Youth Day reduces public participation and commercial opportunities.
The announcement also highlighted differences in funding arrangements. While National Youth Day programmes are financed by the government, International Youth Day events are usually organised through partnerships involving government agencies, private organisations and development partners.
Considering these factors, the Cabinet approved the proposal to end the practice of observing both occasions on August 12 and restore separate dates for the two events.
