Bangladesh Deputy Speaker Calls on Youth to Lead Fight Against Corruption
DHAKA, Oct. 16 — Deputy Speaker of Bangladesh’s Parliament Kaisar Kamal has urged young people to take an active role in combating corruption and promoting transparency, accountability and the rule of law.
“Young people must go beyond developing their personal skills and qualifications and contribute to establishing transparency and accountability across the state and society,” he said on Friday at the opening session of Bangladesh Youth Model United Nations 2026 (BYMUN), organized by Future Bangladesh at the LD Hall of the National Parliament.
Kamal said young people’s talent, innovative thinking and leadership were essential to building a democratic, humane and globally competitive Bangladesh.
He urged them not to limit their ambitions to academic achievements, including securing top grades, but to embrace creativity, positive thinking and inclusive values. He also stressed the importance of upholding fundamental human rights, strengthening accountability and ensuring the rule of law.
Highlighting the role of young people in major movements in Bangladesh, Kamal said their pursuit of social dignity, equality and equal opportunities had repeatedly brought them to the forefront of public protests.
Referring to the final fact-finding report published by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), he noted that many of those killed during the July-August 2024 uprising were young people. He stressed the need to uphold their aspirations, protect their rights and ensure justice.
The deputy speaker also called on young Bangladeshis pursuing higher education abroad to return home and contribute to national development by applying their knowledge, experience and skills.
Building a globally competitive Bangladesh would require collective action, responsible leadership and a constructive outlook, he said.
Kamal encouraged young people to observe parliamentary sessions to gain practical insights into policymaking, parliamentary debate and evidence-based discussions. Such exposure, he said, would help them better understand democratic practices and the functioning of the state.
Nearly 500 young delegates from more than 200 schools, colleges and universities across all 64 districts are participating in the two-day BYMUN 2026 conference.
The conference aims to strengthen young people’s leadership skills, debating abilities, collaboration and understanding of policymaking.
Other speakers at the opening session included Mahdi Amin, adviser and spokesperson at the Prime Minister’s Office; Professor Dr. S. M. Abdul Awal, chief coordinator for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) at the Prime Minister’s Office; and Dr. David Dowland, registrar of BRAC University.
