Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islami Ameer Dr. Shafiqur Rahman called upon on Friday the country's young generation to prepare themselves to lead the country with honesty and integrity.
He said that the nation's progress depends on honest and visionary student leaders with slogan "New Leadership, New Bangladesh".
"The new leadership emerging from university campuses must be guided so that the dream of 'New Leadership, New Bangladesh' is fulfilled through you. A new national roadmap will be drawn by your leadership," he made the remarks while addressing as the chief guest the Central Student Union Elected Representatives Reception 2025 organised by Islami Chhatra Shibir at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center (BCFCC) in the capital.
"In earlier times, we heard allegations of corruption involving student leaders in campus development works. Now, we expect today's student unions to earn full marks in honesty, not a single failure should be seen by the nation," he said.
He congratulated all elected representatives and participants in the recent student union elections.
He said the young leaders now bear a great responsibility that goes beyond their campuses.
"Those who have been elected carry great expectations. Your responsibilities are not confined within the campus. You must embrace and realise the nation's dreams. The country owes much to the talented youth of our universities, and I hope you will repay that debt," he continued.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman expressed confidence in the youth, saying that he firmly believes that the youth could shoulder this enormous responsibility.
"The student unions are the rehearsal stage for the young generation to shape the Bangladesh of tomorrow, a nation driven by youth," he maintained.
He called upon the student leaders to give priority to education and research.
Dr Shafiqur Rahman urged them to transform universities into centers of academic excellence.
He said that research activities have declined, and this must be reversed.
"You (the youth) must ensure a proper learning environment," he said, calling upon the youth to prepare themselves to lead the nation's future.
"We want to hand over the cockpit of this country to you. We will pray for you, guide you, and correct you with love and respect if you make mistakes. Under your leadership, a new Bangladesh will rise," he added.
talhabinhabib@yahoo.com
