Education Adviser Professor Dr Chowdhury Rafiqul Abrar has emphasised the need to turn educational institutions into hubs of democratic practice in order to promote free thinking and creativity among young people beyond textbook-based learning.
He made the remarks as the chief guest at a discussion held at the International Mother Language Institute auditorium on Saturday to mark International Education Day 2026.
Highlighting the crucial role of the education sector in nation-building, Dr Abrar said education plays a vital part in creating responsible citizens and in developing values and a sense of responsibility among the youth.
He stressed that youth participation in social, democratic and nation-building activities must not be symbolic or tokenistic, but meaningful and effective. “No sustainable change is possible without the active opinions and involvement of young people,” he said.
Expressing concern over growing intolerance in society, the adviser said humiliating individuals on the basis of their culture or identity is unacceptable. He urged young people to protest against and resist such one-dimensional thinking from their respective positions.
He also underscored the need for continuous, informed administrative dialogue to ensure proper representation of ethnic minorities, persons with disabilities and marginalised communities in all national activities.
Referring to the role of young people in shaping a new Bangladesh, Dr Abrar said it was the youth who showed the path to change when civil rights came under threat. He called for greater youth representation not only in educational institutions but also across all state structures, including the National Parliament.
Dr Abrar further highlighted the importance of organisations, clubs and cultural bodies within educational institutions to help nurture students’ latent talents. He said the government is working to mobilise the necessary resources and ensure a supportive environment, noting that a comprehensive policy has already been formulated through consultations with relevant stakeholders.
Education Secretary Rehana Parven attended the programme as a special guest.
