The New Nation - Internet Edition

Staff Reporter

The two-day National Youth Festival, organised by International Republican Institute (IRI) in collaboration with the USAID concluded yesterday in the city.

The organisers and participants of the festival expressed their determination to ensure freedom of expression, democracy and human rights.

The youth festival began on Tuesday at the Bangladesh China Friendship Conference Centre with the objective to create awareness about democracy, human rights, social responsibilities and future plans of the local political parties.

Election Commissioner Brig Gen. Muhammad Sakhawat Hussain inaugurated the youth centred festival. It was named "Tarunner Mela." Jeffery Vanness, Resident Country Director IRI Bangladesh, renowned writer Imdadul Hoque Milon, TIB Chairman Prof Muzaffer Ahmed, Dr Abul Barakat and many well-known social leaders participated the event.

Folk songs, valedictory song on ideal leaders, Skit on first time voting, an interactive and participatory quiz show, which highlighted issues related to first time voters and democracy in general, was held there and also the political leaders give answer to questions on youth issues.

Mohammad Ashraful the youngest century holder cricketer in the world, Prof Dr Mohit Kamal of the National Institute of Mental Health among other were present on the day. An interactive discussion, titled Projanmer Vabna, was also held on the last day.

Local and international NGOs, like the Rupantor, MRDI, Steps, Democracywatch, Election Working Group, CCD, Nielsen, e-Zone, nationpulse, Jubo Nagorik Forum participated in the event as sponsor organisers.