Information minister Dr. Hasan Mahmud has asked youths to follow the ideals of the Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and dream for the whole country instead of focusing on personal benefits.
“We have to dream not only for ourselves or our families, but for the whole country and the people of the country. Only then the country will reach to its goal,” he said while speaking at the inaugural ceremony of the newly elected committee of Junior Chamber of International (JCI) Bangladesh.
The journey of the new board began with the formal ‘chain’ handover between the former President Sarah Kamal and the newly elected President Niaz Morshed Elite on Friday night.
British Deputy High Commissioner to Bangladesh Javed Patel, Chairman of Suchinta Foundation Mohammad A Arafat, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister Barrister Shah Ali Farhad and Chairman of Fortune Suz Limited Mizanur Rahman were also present as special guests.
The information minister said “Bangladesh can be a golden Bengal of Bangabandhu's dream under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, the daughter of Bangabandhu, before 2041, with the joint efforts of the people of the country."
Referring to Bangladesh as a country of food surplus, he said, "Bangladesh, which was under food shortage in 2008, is now a country of food surplus under the leadership of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina."
“Under the able leadership of Bangabandhu's daughter, we are the first in South Asia and the 20th in the world in terms of the ability to deal with COVID-19. The immense energy of the youth is always crucial to keep this unprecedented trend of progress in the country intact.”
Javed Patel congratulated the JCI Bangladesh on its success over the past year.
“Historically, the youth of Bangladesh have always played a leading role in bringing positive change in their society,” he said.
“The United Kingdom will continue to support Bangladesh by developing the leadership skills of its young people, and by providing equitable, inclusive and sustainable social and economic growth, well-being and prosperity.”
In his welcome address, President Niaz Morshed Elite said, “We are standing at a milestone in Bangladesh. This year is a milestone for all of us born in this beautiful country. Bangladesh is celebrating its fiftieth birth anniversary this year and in the meantime we are on the path of increasing development in almost all world indices. Our founding father Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman laid the foundation of this great nation.”
He called upon all the members of JCI Bangladesh and the able leadership to uphold the trend of development.
Mohammed A. Arafat encouraged youth leadership to build a positive position in the digital space in a modern changed world, peace, empathy, and coexistence between different groups.
He lauded the contribution of an organization like JCI in building a progressive and modern developed state by countering extremism.
Barrister Shah Ali Farhad said the biggest partner and ally in youth development is the Awami League government and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
“The youth must come forward to implement the vision of 2041,” he said.
National Vice President Imran Kadir said the JCI 2021 National Board of Directors has “re-emerged from a recent democratic election and is a true reflection of our members' beliefs, feelings and dreams towards this organization.”
“We are committed to uphold the dream projects of the local chapter with our strategic, ethical and intellectual support.”
The event was sponsored by Fortune Shoes, Vasavi Fashions, D-Coordinator, BNO Lubricant, Orchard Group, Aristocrat Event, Minhaj Food, Farmroots & Spectrum, Content Man and Le Meridien.
A fashion show was held on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of independence, courtesy of Vasavi Fashion Limited.
After the dinner, the programme ended with a captivating cultural program with the musical performance of popular singer Sabrina Porshi.