|| Syed Atik: The International Youth Day 2026 was observed in Gazipur on Wednesday through a joint initiative of the Committee of Concerned Citizens (Sanak) of Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) and the Department of Youth Development, Gazipur, with a call for greater opportunities, inclusion and responsible participation of young people in society.The programme was held at the auditorium of the Department of Youth Development, Gazipur. Assistant Director of the department Md Mansurul Islam chaired the event, while Sanak Vice-President Shekanul Islam Shahi moderated the discussion.Sanak-TIB Gazipur President Jobeda Akhtar attended the programme as the chief guest and highlighted the importance of empowering young people to contribute meaningfully to national development and social progress.Deputy Coordinator of the Youth Training Centre Abu Taher Md Rakib, Senior Trainer Habibur Rahman, former Sanak President Fatema Zohra, Sanak member Md Hasan Ali, TIB Area Coordinator Rashiduzzaman Liton, Run for Better Bangladesh President Samrat Hossain Rubel and Sanak member Saiful Islam also spoke at the event.More than a hundred officials and employees of the Department of Youth Development, along with young trainees from different trades at the Youth Training Centre, Sanak and YES members of TIB, attended the programme.The speakers discussed this year's International Youth Day theme, “Different Realities, Common Aspirations,” and noted that young people across the world live in widely different social and economic circumstances.While some young people grow up in technology-driven societies with relatively greater access to education, employment and digital opportunities, many others—particularly in developing and least-developed countries—continue to face poverty, unemployment, climate risks and limited access to quality education and skills development.Despite these differences, the speakers said, young people share many common aspirations: a secure future, quality education, decent employment, dignity, equal opportunities and the ability to participate in decisions affecting their lives.They stressed that addressing the diverse challenges faced by young people requires inclusive policies and greater cooperation among government institutions, civil society organisations and communities.The speakers also emphasised the importance of technical and vocational training in preparing young people for changing labour markets. They said that creating pathways from training to decent employment and entrepreneurship can help young people become economically self-reliant while strengthening the country's overall development.The discussion further underscored the role of young people in promoting transparency, accountability and responsible citizenship. Speakers encouraged youth to develop leadership skills, remain aware of their rights and responsibilities, and take an active role in building a fairer and more inclusive society.The programme concluded with a shared commitment to creating an environment in which young people from different backgrounds can overcome barriers and turn their aspirations into opportunities for themselves and for the country.