President Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir on Sunday called for expanding skills-based training, providing financial assistance to small entrepreneurs and creating more employment opportunities to make the best use of the country's demographic dividend.

He made the call while addressing the inaugural ceremony of National Youth Day 2026 as the chief guest at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre in Dhaka.

Describing young people as the country's most valuable human resource and a key driver of national development, the President said Bangladesh cannot achieve meaningful progress through political change alone.

He stressed the need to utilise the country's large youth population effectively to strengthen the national economy and prepare for graduation from the Least Developed Country (LDC) category.

The President said young people must be made employment-oriented and equipped with practical skills so they can contribute more effectively to the country's economic growth.

Referring to the success of young entrepreneurs, particularly women entrepreneurs, he said many were expanding their businesses and exporting products despite having limited financial resources. He urged the government to ensure proper training and minimum financial support for aspiring entrepreneurs to help them become self-reliant.

Mirza Fakhrul also called for expanding the activities of the Department of Youth Development across the country, particularly its training and loan programmes, to bring more young people under these initiatives.

Emphasising the importance of education reform, he said the country needs a demand-based education system with greater focus on technical and vocational training to meet the requirements of both domestic and international labour markets.

Bangladesh could earn significantly more foreign currency by sending skilled workers abroad, he said, stressing the need to expand technical training institutions.

The President also highlighted the potential of biogas technology, saying it could help rural households, particularly livestock farmers, generate energy from animal waste and reduce pressure on the country's overall energy supply.

Expressing concern over the growing problem of drug addiction among young people, he called for effective measures to tackle the issue. Unemployment and frustration are among the factors contributing to drug abuse, he said, underscoring the importance of job creation and awareness programmes.

He urged young people to stand against violence against women, dowry and all forms of discrimination. He also called for community-based initiatives and social movements to address such problems.

The President stressed the need to ensure equal opportunities for young women in education, employment, entrepreneurship and leadership.

Referring to the country's political transition, Mirza Fakhrul said the opportunities created through the establishment of a democratic system must be utilised for national development.

He called on political parties to practise parliament-centred politics and resolve national issues through discussions in parliament rather than street-based confrontations.

Congratulating the recipients of the National Youth Award and Youth Volunteer Award, the President said their achievements would encourage other young people to contribute to society.

He urged the youth to remain determined and work towards building a self-reliant, skilled, technology-driven and humane Bangladesh.

"Never give up. We will continue our struggle and move forward," he said.

Upon arriving at the venue, the President was received by State Minister for Youth and Sports Md Aminul Haque, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on the Ministry of Youth and Sports Md Abul Khair Bhuiyan, Acting Secretary Md Mahfuzul Alam Khan and Director General of the Department of Youth Development Md Motaher Hossain.

Later, he visited exhibition stalls showcasing various youth initiatives and a job fair organised at the conference centre.

Sun News/ rabbi