The Department of Global Studies and Governance (GSG) of Independent University, Bangladesh (IUB) and the Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) jointly organized a seminar titled “Harnessing Bangladesh’s Youth Dividend: Future Imperative in a Changing World” on July 30, 2025, at the IUB Auditorium. The event examined the strategic role of youth in Bangladesh’s development through four structured sessions featuring academic, diplomatic, and policy experts.

Dr. Imtiaz A. Hussain, Professor of Global Studies and Governance and Director of the Center for Social Science Research at IUB, delivered the keynote presentation. H.E. Ghanshyam Bhandari, Ambassador of Nepal to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, attended as the Chief Guest. Dr. Md Nazrul Islam, Secretary (East & West), Ministry of Foreign Affairs, was present as Special Guest.

Major General Iftekhar Anis, BSP, awc, afwc, psc, PEng, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome remarks, and Ambassador AFM Gousal Azam Sarker, Chairman, BIISS, provided closing remarks for the inaugural session.

The first session focused on youth in international image-building, soft power, and branding. Speakers included Dr. Razia Sultana, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS; Dr. Marufa Akter, Head of IUB’s GSG department; Dr. Munal Mahbub, Chairman, Mati-ta; and Sinthia Kamal, a student of GSG at IUB. The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Imtiaz Ahmed, Executive Director, Centre for Alternatives.

The second session addressed youth contributions to the economy, climate-led innovation, and development. Presentations were delivered by Md Rafid Abrar Miah, Research Officer, BIISS; Dr. K. Ayaz Rabbani, Dean of IUB’s School of Environment and Life Sciences; Shamim Ahmed Mridha, Executive Director, Eco-Network Global; and Mohammad Mohaiminul Kabir Chisty, a student of GSG. The session was moderated by Prof. Dr. Kazi Maruful Islam from the University of Dhaka.

The third session explored youth, gender, and inclusiveness. Speakers included Dr. Benuka Ferdousi, Senior Research Fellow, BIISS; Md Ohidujjaman, Senior Lecturer, GSG, IUB; Md Mynul Islam, Assistant Professor, Department of Women and Gender Studies, University of Dhaka; and Ahnaf Raghebin Sabbir, GSG student. The session was moderated by Shaheen Anam, Executive Director, Manusher Jonno Foundation.

Prof. M. Tamim, Vice Chancellor of IUB, addressed the event as the Distinguished Guest. Dr. Saima Khan, Country Director, UNAIDS, spoke as the Guest of Honour. The vote of thanks was delivered by Major General Iftekhar Anis and Prof. Dr. Bokhtiar Ahmed, Dean, School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences, IUB.

The seminar was attended by senior government officials, diplomats, university faculty and students, researchers, business representatives, and members of international organisations. Participants contributed to discussions with comments, observations, and policy inputs.

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