Foreign Minister Dr. A K ABDUL MOMEN, MP and Minister for Youth and Sports ZAHID AHASAN RUSSEL, MP jointly launched the OIC Youth Capital website at the Capital today. The address is: https://www.dhakaoyc2020.org/

Bangladesh won the title of  “ OIC Youth Capital 2020” marking a significant recognition for the country in the youth sector. This “victory” came after a year long concerted effort by Ministry of Youth & Sports & Ministry of Foreign Affairs for projecting the strengths and opportunities that Bangladesh offers to the youth. Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), an international institution affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) made this declaration on 25 December 2019.

Bangladesh contested for the coveted “OlC Youth Capital 2020” title since May last year. Ministry of Youth and Sports submitted a wide range of activities for the selection process. Subsequently, Bangladesh was shortlisted – along with Kazakhstan and Tunisia by ICYF. Later in October, a high level delegation of ICYF led by ICYF President Taha Ayhan visited Bangladesh to inspect the overall preparation of Bangladesh. Finally on 22 December a “Protocol of Commitment” was signed between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and ICYF leading to the declaration of Bangladesh as the “ OIC Youth Capital 2020”.

Foreign Minister in his remark told that Bangladesh would like take a leadership role amongst the Muslim nation and Bangladesh would like to exhibit itself to the world as the land of opportunities and growth possibilities. The Foreign Minister stressed on the projection of Bangladesh’s emphasis on dialogues and reconciliation as a measure for peace and stability.

State Minister for Youth and Sports told that the selection of Dhaka as the “OIC Youth Capital 2020” will play a significant role to reflect a positive brand image of Bangladesh globally specially among the youth. He further mentioned that the convergence of the yearlong events with the grand celebration of Bangabandhu Birth Centenary has amplified its significance to a great extent. Ten mega-events have been designed for celebrating “OIC Youth Capital 2020”. Youth from the OIC member states will participate in these events. It will inject a great momentum, inspiration and motivation among the vast young population of Bangladesh and the OIC member states as well. The grand celebration will be implemented by eight lead Ministries and Twenty co-lead Ministries round the year.

Both the Ministers have stressed on the role of media and journalist to make the yearlong events successful. 

The yearlong celebration will commence with the Grand Opening ceremony by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina which will be attended by more than 150 youth representative from 57 member states and youth representative from Bangladesh. A good number of Youth and Sports Ministers from OIC member states will be invited  in the inauguration ceremony. Bangabandhu Youth Award will be conferred to 10 participants in that program. Later they will participate in a humanitarian boot camp at Cox’s Bazar Rohingya camp.

In addition there will be Holy Quran Recitation Competition, Film Festival, Art Exhibition, Debate Competition, Voluntary Camp, Youth Summit and Business Hub Boot Camp, Football camp, Rover Moot and a grand closing ceremony.

The website launched today will act as a platform for the registration and for providing all relevant information regarding the programs and activities. Keeping in mind the vision of “Digital Bangladesh”, many events will be conducted in the virtual space before moving into the final rounds certain stage through this website.