Bangladesh's future depends on quality of young leaders

Stressing social cohesion in society, Kazi Akhtar Uddin Ahmed, secretary to the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has said the future of Bangladesh largely depends on the quality of youth leadership.

He was addressing as the chief guest at the opening ceremony of the 14th "Building Bridges through Leadership Training" (BBLT) programme of Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center, says a BYLC press release.

"I commend BYLC on bringing together students from English, Bangla and Madrasa medium and fostering values of inclusive and tolerant leadership among the young generation," he said.

"Leadership is not about advancing your own personal interests. It is about working with others and striving to make progress on some of the tough challenges facing as a group, community, or country. I hope the training at BYLC will cultivate courage, compassion, and competence and prepare you for a lifetime of leadership for the development of our society," said BYLC President Ejaj Ahmad.

KM Abdus Salam, acting director general of NGO Affairs Bureau, who was a special guest, said, "BYLC's pioneering work in the field of youth leadership is instrumental in developing the next generation."

Forty-two students are selected competitively to go through a rigorous training on the theoretical and  practical concepts of leadership. They will then apply their classroom learning into action by designing and implementing small, scalable, and sustainable community service projects.

Ann McConnell, public affairs officer of the American Center, also graced the event as a special guest.