|| Online Desk: Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has said that the youth are the vital force of any nation and the principal driving force behind its progress, stressing their undeniable contribution to building an independent and sovereign Bangladesh, overcoming national crises and advancing the country's development."Young people have played a significant role in the country's journey from independence to overcoming challenges and achieving development," he said in a message issued yesterday marking National Youth Day 2026, to be observed tomorrow (November 1).The premier recalled that Shaheed President Ziaur Rahman, the Proclaimer of Independence, took initiatives to organise the youth for nation-building, recognising their immense potential.Under his directives, the Ministry of Youth Development was established in 1978, later renamed the Ministry of Youth and Sports, he said. The Department of Youth Development was established in 1981 to implement youth development activities at the grassroots level, he said. The Prime Minister also recalled that former Prime Minister Begum Khaleda Zia initiated the establishment of youth training centres in all districts in 1991 to expand employment opportunities and provide technical and practical training to young people, helping them become self-reliant. He said the Department of Youth Development has so far provided skill development training of different durations to more than 80 lakh young people. Of them, around 25 lakh have become self-employed, earning between Taka 20,000 and Taka 100,000 per month, and in some cases even more.To support young entrepreneurs, youth loans amounting to Taka 2,861 crore and 87 lakh were provided up to June 2026, he added.Describing the National Youth Award as a commendable initiative, the Prime Minister said 546 self-employed young people and youth organisers have so far received the honour in recognition of their contributions to nation-building.He congratulated the recipients of this year's awards.Emphasising the importance of technical and technological skills alongside conventional education, Tarique Rahman said acquiring such skills has become essential for young people to remain competitive in the rapidly changing global landscape.He said the government had undertaken a training project on Artificial Intelligence (AI) soon after assuming office, recognising its growing importance.Through the freelancing and AI project, trainees are receiving training and gaining opportunities to work online and earn foreign currency, he said.He also mentioned the IMPACT project, under which young people are contributing to environmental conservation by establishing biogas plants.The Prime Minister stressed the need to introduce more training programmes in smart agriculture, export-oriented packaging and food processing, foreign language learning and other emerging sectors to develop a modern, skilled and competitive workforce.He urged young people to dedicate themselves to national development by strengthening their talents, innovation capabilities and technical skills.The government has announced a Taka 500 crore startup fund to support innovative initiatives by young people, he said, adding that a startup budget has been allocated for the first time in the country to ensure that promising initiatives do not fail due to a lack of financial support.With the theme of National Youth Day 2026, 'Skilled Youth Will Build the Nation, Bangladesh for All', the Prime Minister expressed hope that young people would play an increasingly effective role in national development, leadership and the country's future progress.He wished overall success to all programmes organised to mark National Youth Day 2026.