Speech for BYD corner launch event

        Hon’ble Deputy Minister of Education, Government of Bangladesh H.E Mr. Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury Nowfel,

Distinguished guests and esteemed Bangladesh Youth Delegation alumni,

1. It gives me great pleasure to address this gathering of BYD alumni. Today, we come together to reconnect and reflect on the valuable experiences and insights gained during your participation in the Bangladesh Youth Delegation to India.

2. The Bangladesh Youth Delegation to India is a flagship programme conducted under the International Youth Exchange between the Government of India and Government of Bangladesh. The program aims to promote cultural exchange, leadership development, and people-to-people contacts between our two countries. Through this program, we aim to strengthen the deep-rooted ties that exist between India and Bangladesh, to deepen our relationship which is founded on the shared sacrifices of the Liberation War and to build bridges of understanding and friendship between our two nations.

3. I am happy to announce that since it’s inception in 2011, around 800 delegates have visited different places in India. The year 2022 was especially special for us. It was in this year that we went outside Dhaka and conducted interviews in other divisions of Bangladesh, ensuring that everyone irrespective of where they are get a chance to participate in the process.

4. I am pleased to see so many of you here today. You represent the best and brightest of Bangladesh's youth. Your participation in this program was a testament to your commitment to learning about other cultures, building networks of friendships, and developing your leadership potential.

5. Taking this momentum forward, we have decided to convert the Bangladesh Youth Delegation into a sustainable platform for continuous engagement and deliberations among our alumni. I am happy to share that we are inaugurating the Bangladesh Youth Delegation corner today. The BYD corner will provide a unique opportunity for the delegates to meet, interact and share their experiences. Regular meet-ups would be organized at the BYD corner for our alumni.

6. In addition, we have also launched the BYD alumni portal. Through this portal, we aim to provide a unique BYD alumni card to all our delegates. A BYD Alumni Association is also being formed to facilitate our alumni in this process.

7. Since your return to Bangladesh, I am certain that you have been applying the knowledge and skills you acquired in India, both in your personal and professional lives. You are our ambassadors of goodwill and you play a crucial role in promoting people-to-people ties between our two countries.

8. The world is currently grappling with numerous challenges, and it is more important than ever that we work together to find solutions. Our two countries, which share a common history, culture, and values, have a crucial role to play in promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in the region and beyond.

9. I am confident that you, as BYD alumni, will continue to be a vital force in this effort. Through your diverse backgrounds and experiences, you have the potential to make a significant contribution to your communities, your country, and the world.

10. In conclusion, I would like to once again express my appreciation to each and every one of you for your participation in the Bangladesh Youth Delegation to India. I hope that this gathering will serve as a platform for you to reconnect, share your experiences, and renew your commitment to the values of friendship, understanding, and cooperation that underpin the program.

Thank you!