Harnessing the Youth Dividend

Seminar on “Harnessing the Youth Dividend: Peace and Security Imperatives for Bangladesh in a Changing World”

The Bangladesh Institute of International and Strategic Studies (BIISS) and the Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies (FSSS), Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), jointly organized a seminar titled “Harnessing the Youth Dividend: Peace and Security Imperatives for Bangladesh in a Changing World” on Sunday, 07 September 2025, at the Shadhinota Auditorium, Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Dhaka.

Lieutenant General Abdul Hafiz, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser, attended the seminar as the Chief Guest. Ambassador Humayun Kabir chaired the inaugural session. Major General Iftekhar Anis, BSP, awc, afwc, psc, PEng, Director General, BIISS, delivered the welcome address, while Brigadier General Muhammad Ali Talukder, ndc, afwc, psc, MPhil, Dean, Faculty of Security and Strategic Studies (FSSS), BUP, offered the opening remarks. Dr Shaila Solaiman, Chairman, Department of International Relations, BUP, presented the keynote paper on “Youth Role in Bangladesh’s Peace and Security Landscape.”

The seminar brought together scholars, policymakers, security practitioners, researchers, and students to examine the role of youth in addressing both traditional and non-traditional security challenges facing Bangladesh. Discussions focused on youth contributions to national security, border management, countering human trafficking and smuggling, strengthening national defence, combating illicit networks and substance abuse, addressing irregular migration, and responding to climate change and natural disasters. The seminar also explored the importance of youth participation in peacebuilding, social cohesion, conflict prevention, and the promotion of tolerance and resilience in society.

The event provided an important platform for dialogue and knowledge exchange on how Bangladesh can effectively harness its demographic dividend to strengthen national security, promote sustainable peace, and build a resilient future amid a rapidly changing global environment.

Objectives of the Seminar are:

• To examine the strategic role of youth in strengthening Bangladesh’s traditional and non-traditional security architecture.

• To explore youth contributions to addressing emerging security challenges, including transnational crime, human trafficking, irregular migration, substance abuse, climate change, and natural disasters.

• To assess the potential of youth engagement in enhancing national resilience, social stability, and sustainable development.

• To highlight the role of youth in peacebuilding, conflict prevention, social cohesion, and the promotion of tolerance and harmony.

• To identify policy measures and institutional mechanisms for integrating youth perspectives into national peace and security frameworks.

• To foster dialogue and collaboration among policymakers, academics, security experts, researchers, and young leaders to formulate informed and actionable recommendations for Bangladesh’s future.