Foreign Adviser highlights role of youth in democratic reforms

Highlighting the role of Bangladesh's youth in fostering recent democratic reforms in Bangladesh, foreign affairs adviser Md Touhid Hossain has called upon Commonwealth leaders to engage 1.5 billion youth across the member states for a sustainable future.

He made the call at the 27th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM-2024), held in Apia, Samoa, from 21-26 October, a foreign ministry's press release said on Thursday.

Touhid, who led the Bangladesh delegation on behalf of Chief Advisor Professor Mohammad Yunus, also called on commonwealth leaders to work together on climate change and the Rohingya crisis.

The summit, commemorating the 75th anniversary of the modern Commonwealth, held particular significance in light of global and geopolitical challenges.

The Commonwealth's Head, King Charles III of the United Kingdom, inaugurated the summit on 25 October under the theme "One Resilient Common Future: Transforming our Common Wealth."

Besides attending the opening ceremony, Bangladesh Foreign Advisor participated in the Executive Session on 25 October and delivered a speech at the Heads of Government Retreat on 26 October.

Leaders at the summit discussed global economic, environmental, and security challenges, as well as strengthening intra-Commonwealth communication, trade, and cooperation for a sustainable future.

Touhid led Bangladesh's delegation at the Youth Forum, Business Forum, Commonwealth Ministerial Meeting on Small Islands, and Pre-CHOGM Foreign Ministers Meetings, presenting Dhaka's stance in each.

The foreign adviser attended several receptions, including the dinner hosted by His Majesty the King of Britain in honor of the heads of government.