YPSA marked National Youth Day 2024 with a weeklong series of impactful activities aimed at empowering youth and promoting sustainable development. Organized by YPSA’s Centre for Youth and Development (YPSA-CYD), the events underscored the significant potential of youth in contributing to societal progress and environmental sustainability.
National Youth Day 2024 was celebrated under the theme, “Efficient youth will build the country, discrimination-free Bangladesh.” In Chittagong, the Youth Development Department, in collaboration with YPSA, organized a rally and a discussion meeting that included the distribution of youth loan checks, training certificates, and youth awards.
The celebration commenced with a discussion meeting focused on the promises of National Youth Day. Hosted by Md. Abdus Sabur, the event created an engaging and inspiring atmosphere for attendees. YPSA Program Officer Setar Rudra and Training Officer Md. Minhazur Rahaman presented a concept paper, sparking thought-provoking discussions that emphasized the importance of equipping youth with information technology skills, employment training, and fostering social leadership.
On November 6, YPSA-CYD Youth Volunteers led a public awareness campaign at CRB, Chittagong City, titled “Let’s work together to build an environmentally friendly city.” The campaign aimed to inform tourists and residents about the harmful impacts of plastic waste through songs and interactive conversations. Volunteers highlighted that non-biodegradable plastic and polythene pollution contributes to environmental degradation urban flooding. Leaflets were distributed to promote community-driven action for improved waste management.
To complement these in-person activities, YPSA hosted an online webinar that featured prominent youth leaders from Chittagong, Cox’s Bazar, Sitakunda, and other regions. The discussions focused on youth leadership, climate change, and environmental awareness, providing a platform for young leaders to share experiences and strategies for sustainable development.
In Cox’s Bazar, National Youth Day was marked by a series of collaborative activities led by the Youth Development Department and YPSA. These activities included a rally, tree-planting events, beach clean-up drives, and a discussion meeting held at the Cox’s Bazar DC Office. The day also featured the distribution of youth loan checks, training certificates, and youth awards, demonstrating a comprehensive commitment to youth empowerment.
During the discussion meeting, the Deputy Commissioner of Cox’s Bazar highlighted the essential role of youth as the backbone of the nation, emphasizing that their contributions are pivotal to leading the country towards prosperity. He stressed the government’s focus on developing a technically skilled and resourceful youth population to prevent unemployment and social disengagement.
YPSA’s Teknaf Upazila team also participated in a youth rally at the Upazila premises, further broadening the celebration’s reach. Collaborative efforts between YPSA, local administrations, and the Department of Youth Development engaged over 1,000 youth and stakeholders, generating widespread enthusiasm and inspiration.
Md. Arifur Rahman, Founder and Chief Executive of YPSA, stated, “Today, we celebrate the resilience, vision, and boundless energy of our youth. National Youth Day 2024 is not just a reminder of their potential but a call to action to support them in becoming the architects of a sustainable and inclusive future. Our commitment at YPSA is to continue empowering young minds to lead with innovation, empathy, and responsibility.”
The weeklong series of events reinforced YPSA’s dedication to fostering youth development and highlighted the vital role that young people play in driving progress. YPSA remains committed to championing the growth and active participation of youth in building a sustainable Bangladesh.
