Youth CAB CU programme stresses civic responsibility

Speakers at a University of Chittagong event have called on young people to equip themselves with the skills and values necessary to contribute effectively to the nation's progress.

They emphasised that today's youth must acquire practical skills, sound knowledge and a strong sense of responsibility, as they are poised to become the country's future leaders.

"Without developing into competent citizens, young people will be unable to contribute meaningfully to the country," the speakers noted.

The speakers observed that, following July 2024, certain intellectuals had misguided youths by urging them to pursue power rather than focus on self-development.

Consequently, many promising young people are prioritising personal gain over capacity building, they said.

This, they added, deprives them of opportunities to contribute to national welfare.

The speakers warned that the country has already lost many talented individuals and could face a future leadership crisis if today's youth do not develop themselves appropriately.

They urged students and young people to commit to becoming skilled, responsible and competent citizens, dedicated to the nation's welfare.

The remarks were made at the "Baishakher Adda" and "Charuivati" events, organised by Youth CAB Chittagong University beside the Botanical Garden pond, on 25 Baishakh 1433 (8 May 2026).

Youth CAB CU branch President Rozain Al Rafi presided over the event, with CAB central committee Vice-President SM Nazer Hossain chairing the discussion.

University of Chittagong Proctor Professor Hossain Shahid Suhrawardy attended the event as the guest of honour.

Youth CAB CU General Secretary Tanjim Ashraf Ratul, Event and Planning Secretary Touhid Ullah, and members Sumaiya Sabbira Mithila and Maria Mostafa moderated the programme.

Among others present were Youth CAB Chattogram Metropolitan President Abu Hanif Noman, CAB Sadarghat Thana President Shahin Chowdhury, CAB Chandgaon Thana President Jane Alam, General Secretary Ismail Farooqui, Panchlaish Thana President ABM Humayun Kabir, General Secretary Abdul Awal Shahin, and Chaksu Cafeteria Affairs Secretary and Youth CAB member Masum Billah.

The speakers further said the role of young people in all major struggles, including the country's Liberation War and the mass uprising of 2024, has shown the nation the way forward.

They said there is no alternative to responsible youth leadership at critical moments in national life.

If young people fail to make the right decisions at the right time, the nation will suffer, they added.

The speakers said that if youths do not act responsibly in healthy political, social and cultural activities, society will become frustrated.

If the young generation becomes frustrated, the nation's potential will be limited, they said.

They urged young people to go beyond academic learning and to work as torchbearers in protecting consumer rights, preventing food adulteration, addressing climate change, expanding renewable energy, promoting energy transition, protecting women's human rights, eliminating social injustices, preventing discrimination, and resisting lawlessness.

The daylong "Baishakher Adda" festival featured cultural programmes, sports competitions and raffle draws, making the event lively and engaging.

The "Charuivati 2026" gathering became even more memorable with the presence, affection, and active participation of people of all ages.

Guests thanked the organisers for arranging the event, which brought together conversation, joy, culture and shared moments.

Later, the chief guest announced the names of members who had been promoted from associate members to working members.

The organisers said the Youth CAB CU branch initially enrols members as associate members and later reviews their activities before granting full membership.

They said the process helps develop leadership qualities and skills among members.