Rizvi stresses youth’s role in resolving national crises

BNP acting secretary general and Prime Minister’s Political Adviser Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has stressed the importance of prioritising young people’s questions, opinions and innovative ideas to identify and address social and national challenges.

He said young people should have the freedom to ask questions and express their views, adding that fostering curiosity, a willingness to learn and open-mindedness among them was essential to building a knowledge-based, scientifically minded society and formulating national development plans.

Rizvi made the remarks as the chief guest at the closing session of Idea Fest 2025, organised by the Ziaur Rahman Foundation (ZRF) at Muzaffar Ahmed Chowdhury Auditorium in the Faculty of Social Sciences building at Dhaka University on Saturday.

He said, “Giving young people opportunities to ask questions will encourage new ideas and perspectives. Such ideas, emerging from different sections of society, can help identify national challenges and develop effective solutions.”

He also urged young people not to limit themselves to social media but to engage in constructive discussions with friends and classmates on national, social and contemporary issues.

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Speaking about freedom of expression at universities, Rizvi said democratic space had narrowed during Sheikh Hasina’s rule, making it difficult for people to express their opinions freely and participate in normal political and social activities.

He said universities in different parts of the world often retained some degree of autonomy and freedom of expression even under dictatorships and military regimes. However, he alleged that these opportunities had also been curtailed during Hasina’s tenure.

Despite pressure from an authoritarian government and other adversities, young people had continued to work for the country, he said.

Rizvi added that the current environment offered an opportunity to further develop their intellectual abilities, independent thinking and creativity.

Praising the ZRF’s activities, Rizvi said the organisation had continued its social, humanitarian and public service initiatives despite an adverse political environment. He cited its initiatives, including virtual science fairs and public health campaigns during the Covid-19 pandemic and dengue outbreaks.