Prime Minister Tarique Rahman has called for harnessing Bangladesh's demographic potential to drive sustainable development, stressing the need for human resource development, universal healthcare, stronger family planning programs, and the empowerment of women and youth.
In a message issued on the eve of World Population Day, to be observed on Saturday, the prime minister said improving people's quality of life and ensuring every citizen has access to a healthy, educated, skilled and dignified life remains one of the government's foremost commitments.
He said the government is working to build a prosperous, inclusive and self-reliant Bangladesh by transforming the country's demographic potential into a key driver of sustainable development.
Referring to this year's World Population Day theme, "Realizing the hopes and aspirations of young people today and for the future," Tarique said it closely aligns with Bangladesh's national development vision.
"The future of Bangladesh depends on a generation that is educated, skilled, technology-savvy, healthy, humane and innovative," he said.
The prime minister said one of the government's key development priorities is to transform the country's youth into the driving force behind national progress.
To achieve that goal, he said, the government is implementing integrated initiatives spanning education, skills development, employment, healthcare and family planning.
He urged people, particularly the younger generation, to embrace the spirit of World Population Day and actively contribute to achieving its objectives.
Tarique said the government is committed to ensuring an environment where young people can receive quality education, secure employment opportunities, access improved healthcare services and build safe, dignified and happy families based on their aspirations, abilities and values.
Describing today's youth as the backbone of an information technology-driven, knowledge-based economy, he said the government remains committed to equipping every young man and woman with the skills needed to compete in both domestic and global labor markets and contribute meaningfully to national development.
"We believe that when economic security, social stability and an improved healthcare system are ensured, young people will be able to plan their future with confidence and make informed decisions on important issues such as building responsible families," he said.
Calling a healthy population a prerequisite for building a developed nation, the prime minister said the government is working to ensure accessible, quality and accountable healthcare services for all.
He said efforts are also underway to strengthen family planning programs, expand technology-based healthcare services and develop skilled human resources, adding that these integrated initiatives will help build a stronger healthcare system for the future.
The prime minister noted that child marriage, adolescent motherhood and malnutrition continue to hinder the development of the country's younger generation, with long-term consequences for human resource development, education, women's empowerment, maternal and child health, and national productivity.
To address these challenges, he said, the government is implementing coordinated programs to prevent child marriage, expand quality sexual and reproductive healthcare services for adolescents, improve nutrition, and strengthen life skills-based education.
Expressing confidence in the country's youth, Tarique said that providing every young person with equal opportunities to grow up healthy, educated, skilled and confident would enable them to become the driving force behind building a prosperous and developed Bangladesh.
He urged everyone to work together to build a country where every young person's hopes, aspirations and potential are fully realized, allowing them to play a leading role in shaping a safe, prosperous and humane future.
The prime minister also wished success to all programs organized to mark World Population Day 2026.
