The Institute for Global Cooperation Foundation, a youth-led and youth-driven think tank, was launched on Sunday at a hotel in Dhaka with the aim of empowering young people and creating opportunities for them at home and abroad.
The inauguration was attended by academics, politicians, diplomats, entrepreneurs, and youth representatives. Organisers announced that the foundation would arrange workshops, conduct research, and offer fellowships to develop the country鈥檚 next generation of leaders.
鈥榃e will work to empower and transform the next generation of leaders in Bangladesh,鈥� said IGC Foundation chairman Mahmudur Rahman, adding that the platform would serve as a voice for youth and a space to exchange ideas.
Presenting the keynote, the foundation鈥檚 executive director Shama Obaed said that the role of youth in transforming Bangladesh was undeniable. 鈥榃e wish to transform youths through education, empowerment, engagement, and leadership training,鈥� she added.
Speakers at the event stressed that Bangladeshi youth were not receiving sufficient support to realise their full potential due to systemic limitations.
Former Dhaka University professor Mahbub Ullah said that the declining quality of education stemmed from the poor quality of teachers.
鈥極ver the past decades, teachers have been appointed based on political identity,鈥� added DU physics professor Kamrul Hassan Mamun, noting that thousands of talented students who left for higher education abroad did not return due to a lack of opportunities.
鈥榊outh can be both a blessing and a curse for a nation. If educated, they are a blessing; if not, they become a curse,鈥� Mamun said, criticising political governments for avoiding long-term investment in education.
Entrepreneur and Benchmark Limited managing director Ashraf Kaiser observed that Bangladesh had become a 鈥済rey-hair market鈥� where older people were prioritised over the young, leaving youth discouraged.
North South University vice-chancellor Abdul Hannan Chowdhury urged policymakers to create more opportunities for the young. 鈥淚f youths are not given the chance to utilise their potential, they will again take to the streets 鈥� if not today, then tomorrow,鈥� he warned.
National University vice-chancellor Professor ASM Amanullah, DU professor Sukumar Barua, and youth representatives also spoke at the event, chaired by IGC Foundation chief operating officer Abdullah SM Asif.
