On 12 August 2025 (Tuesday), National and International Youth Day was celebrated in Chattogram in a festive spirit, along with the rest of the country. The theme for this year was “Technology-driven Youth Power, Progress through Multilateral Partnership.”
The main program was held at the Chattogram Circuit House Auditorium, jointly organized by the Department of Youth Development, Chattogram and Ghashful’s RAISE Program with support from PKSF. The day-long program featured a colorful rally, discussion session, oath-taking, and the distribution of youth loan checks and training certificates.
Dr. Shahadat Hossain, Mayor of Chattogram City Corporation, attended the event as Chief Guest, while Sharmin Jahan, Additional Divisional Commissioner (Development), was present as Special Guest. The session was presided over by Dr. Md. Zia Uddin, Divisional Commissioner of Chattogram, with welcome remarks delivered by Md. Abul Basar, Deputy Director of the Department of Youth Development.
Speakers at the event highlighted that the country’s progress and development rely heavily on its youth population. They stressed that through technological skills and self-reliance, young people can not only transform their own lives but also significantly contribute to national economic growth. In his keynote address, Mayor Dr. Shahadat Hossain called on the youth to become the driving force of national development.
The program saw the participation of representatives from Ghashful, as well as development organizations including IPSA, Bishwas Youth Development Organization, and Eco Foundation, alongside various youth and women’s groups.
It is noteworthy that with PKSF’s support, the RAISE program of Ghashful is being implemented in Chattogram and other regions of the country. The program focuses on engaging youth in small-scale enterprises, enhancing their skills, and transitioning them from low-paying jobs to technology-based, more productive ventures. Currently, around 56% of the nation’s employment comes from small enterprises, and the project aims to integrate the large number of young people entering the labor market every year into sustainable economic activities.