Staff Correspondent

In a resounding call to action, youth participants at the Amio Jitte Chai Youth Summit advocated for the implementation of a dedicated state policy aimed at boosting employment opportunities. They emphasized the need for policymakers to prioritize the opinions of youth in the decision-making process.

The Amio Jitte Chai Youth Summit 2023, held at a prominent capital hotel on Friday and attended by hundreds of young individuals from diverse educational backgrounds and youth organizations, showcased a vibrant exchange of ideas through debates, quizzes, and video message competitions on citizen’s issues.

This youth summit hosted the final rounds of the 'Amio Jitte Chai Inter-University Debate Competition,' and in the final, Team Jahangirnagar University Debating Society-JUDS emerged victorious over Team Rajshahi University Debating Organization-RUDO. Organized by the Dhaka University Debating Society (DUDS), the parliamentary debate competition featured 24 teams from 22 universities.

The debaters in the competition emphasized that a young person aspiring to become an entrepreneur outside of traditional employment encounters numerous adversities in Bangladesh. They highlighted challenges such as inaccessible bank loans, and hassles in navigating government services, including permissions from different government departments.

Additionally, the growth rate of employment opportunities does not align consistently with the population growth rate, leading to an increase in the number of unemployed educated youth. Furthermore, the participants pointed out that employment opportunities for marginalized youth are insufficient, and the economic potential of the youth is not being harnessed effectively.

Security concerns took centre stage in the video messaging competition, with contestants expressing the hardships faced by young people, especially women, facing various issues while commuting on roads and public transports. The youth also expressed frustration over cyberbullying and cybercrime, urging the government to enhance health centre services, provide safe water, develop sanitary management, and intensify mosquito control activities.

The participants also mentioned that a majority of young people have distanced themselves from the political arena and show little interest in political discussions, because their opinions are not considered significant. The youth participants urged policymakers and political parties to prioritize the aspirations of the youth and facilitate their involvement in the country's development.

Distinguished personalities, including mental health expert Monira Rahman, entrepreneurial figure Taslima Mizi, and Dr. Ayesha Akhter, Assistant Director of the National Institute of Diseases of the Chest and Hospital, contributed their insights to the summit.

The event commenced with a thought-provoking stage play by Kazi Rokhsana Ruma, focusing on citizen issues, followed by an engaging quiz competition.

The "I Too Want to Win" campaign serves as a platform for spotlighting citizens' expectations of political parties and other stakeholders, aiming to foster positive change.