Joy: youths will move country forward with merit, patriotism

Prime Minister’s ICT Adviser Sajeeb Wazed Joy today hoped the country's youths would drive the country forward overcoming the crisis that gripped the world through the ongoing war situation as the people here are capable of solving their own problems.

He was addressing the sixth installment of the Joy Bangla Youth Award (JBYA) giving ceremony at Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Youth Development on the city’s outskirts Savar.

"You know that the world is undergoing a crisis. A war is going on, and so are problems. We dealt with the Covid-19 crisis just two years ago. Coming hot on its heels are a war, terrorism, and a price hike. Financial pressure is building up," Joy said.

Addressing the fear among many people about how Bangladesh country would go forward amid all these problems, he said, "You (youths) are the examples of solving problems. There is no end to problems. We, Awami League, have been in power for 14 straight years. How many problems did we face?"

"Power outage was the first one. How would we solve the load shedding problem? Then comes the economy. How will so many people be fed? How will this economy be advanced? We proved that all these problems could be solved", he said.

Reflecting on the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, he said, "Then came Covid. Everyone was scared of it. Panic gripped everyone. Apprehension settled in the whole world. But, what did we see? In Bangladesh, we managed it in our own way and with our own plans. We have dealt with it in a smarter way than most countries in the world or even the richest countries did."

"It fills my heart with joy seeing that you (youths) are making a robotic hub. It is brilliant. You are sending representatives to the UN to place demands on climate change. That is outstanding," he added.

Praising everyone for working in unison, he said, "You are amazing! our country is an outstanding country. We ourselves fought and shed blood to liberate our country. We earned our capability to feed these 16 crore people. Within 10 to 15 years, we have enabled the transition of this country of 16 crore people from the lower to middle-income status."

"These youths, these winners of Young Bangla - you are the future! You, youths, are the future of Bangladesh. You will drive the country forward. I believe that you will transform middle-income Bangladesh into a high-income one. We will have seen that in our lifetime."

"We will achieve it with our hard work. We will solve our own problems with our merit. If we have confidence and patriotism within ourselves, it is possible to do everything for our country and the people of this country," he added.

Expressing the hope that youths would build future Bangladesh, he said, "The only word I am left with to bring out my feeling is 'outstanding'. Not just the awardees, but also the finalists and 600 participants are all victorious today."

"Undoubtedly, the way you are working for the country and its people is an example for all our citizens and the world as well. Without reaching out to anyone for help, the youths like you are working with your own efforts with your own merit and thoughts. You are not waiting for anyone. This is our spirit. This is our belief", he said.

The sixth episode of Joy Bangla Youth Award commenced at 3pm with the national anthem.

A documentary on Young Bangla's activities was displayed in the beginning. Around 600 youth-led organizations applied for the award. Among them, 28 were given the tickets for the final round. In the end, 10 organizations were awarded under five categories. Two were given lifetime achievement.

In the welcome speech, State Minister for Power and CRI Trustee Nasrul Hamid Bipu said, "Six years just whooshed by. Today Young Bangla has 3.5 lacs members."

Addressing youths, he said, "You are giving your best from different parts of the country. The jury board was represented by iconic people of the society. Heartfelt thanks to everyone!”