International Youth Day 2026 Observed in Gazipur

International Youth Day 2026 was observed in Gazipur through a joint initiative of the Committee of Concerned Citizens (SANAK), Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB), and the Department of Youth Development, Gazipur.

The programme was held at the conference hall of the Department of Youth Development, Gazipur, under the theme “Different Realities, Shared Aspirations.”

The event was chaired by Md. Mansurul Islam, assistant director of the Department of Youth Development, Gazipur, and moderated by Shekanul Islam Shahi, vice-president of SANAK.

Zobeda Akhter, president of SANAK-TIB Gazipur, addressed the event as the chief guest. Other speakers included Abu Taher Md. Rakib, deputy coordinator of the Youth Training Centre; senior trainer Habibur Rahman; former SANAK president Fatema Zohra; SANAK member Md. Hasan Ali; TIB area coordinator Rashiduzzaman Liton; Run for Better Bangladesh president Samrat Hossain Rubel; and SANAK member Saiful Islam.

More than 100 officials and employees of the Department of Youth Development, along with youth trainees from various trades at the Youth Training Centre and members of TIB's SANAK and YES programmes, attended the event.

Different realities, shared aspirations

Discussing this year's theme, speakers said young people around the world face different social, economic and living conditions. While some grow up in technology-driven societies, others face poverty, unemployment, climate risks and limited access to education.

Despite these differences, they said young people share many fundamental aspirations, including access to quality education, decent and safe employment, a healthy and secure life, freedom to participate in decision-making, equality, peace and justice, and the opportunity to shape their own futures.

Speakers said youth policies therefore need to recognize differences in young people's circumstances while ensuring more inclusive access to education, employment, participation and opportunities.

They said the theme is particularly relevant to Bangladesh, where young people face varying challenges based on factors such as urban-rural disparities, gender inequality, education levels, digital access, and regional economic and climate risks.

At the same time, young people across the country share common aspirations for quality education, dignified employment, economic security, freedom of expression, social dignity and greater control over their future.

The TIB also presented seven recommendations at the meeting aimed at improving opportunities and participation for young people.