Grooming future leaders

Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) yesterday conferred certificates among participants who successfully completed the "Building Bridges through Leadership Training" programmes.

About 160 students from English and Bangla medium schools, and madrasas participated in the training programmes supported by the Dutch Embassy in Dhaka.

There were 22 projects across four programmes – addressing issues involving health, education, and civic responsibilities, according to a press release.

At the graduation ceremony, Dutch Ambassador Harry Verweij said, “Bangladesh can only achieve its full potential if the youths are prepared with the right kind of communication and leadership skills. BYLC is doing a commendable job in preparing the Bangladeshi youth for the challenges of tomorrow.”

Speaking to the graduates at the ceremony, Akhter Matin Chaudhury, chairperson of BYLC, said, “Leadership involves sacrifice. You will only become an effective leader when you are able to put the collective interest ahead of your personal interests.”

“Leadership happens at the edge of your comfort zone. Despite the negativity and obstacles you are confronted with, you must retain a sense of optimism and stay connected to your purpose,” said Ejaj Ahmad, founder and president of BYLC.

Through five different programmes aimed at different age groups, BYLC has been working to build connections among youths from diverse backgrounds and equipping them with leadership skills to enable them to make impact on Bangladesh's public, private, and civil sectors. In the past ten years, BYLC has trained over 3,600 young people, many of whom are now exercising leadership in different fields.