Dhaka selected as OIC Youth Capital 2020

Bangladesh has won the title of OIC Youth Capital 2020, marking a significant recognition of the country's youth sector. 

By winning this title, the country's capital, Dhaka, has been selected as the OIC Youth Capital 2020.

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The victory came after a concerted yearlong effort by the Ministry of Youth & Sports and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to project the strengths and opportunities that Bangladesh offers to its youth, according to a statement from the foreign ministry. 

Foreign Minister Dr AK Abdul Momen and Youth and Sports Minister Zahid Ahsan Russel revealed the information today when launching the OIC Youth Capital website at state guest house Padma. The website will act as a platform for registration and providing all relevant information about programmes and activities.

Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF), an international institution affiliated to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), made the declaration of Bangladesh winning the title on December 25, 2019.

Bangladesh contested the coveted OlC Youth Capital 2020 title since May last year. The 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, according to the foreign ministry statement.

Later in October, a high-level delegation of ICYF led by President Taha Ayhan visited Bangladesh to inspect the country's overall preparation. Finally, on December 22, a "Protocol of Commitment" was signed between the Ministry of Youth and Sports and ICYF leading to the declaration of Bangladesh as the winner of the OIC Youth Capital 2020.

Bangladesh has chalked out 10 mega events to celebrate winning the OIC Youth Capital 2020. Youth from the OIC member states will participate in these events. The grand celebration will be organised by eight lead ministries and 20 co-lead ministries round the year, the statement added.

The yearlong celebration will commence with the grand opening ceremony by Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, which will be attended by more than 150 youth representatives from 57 member states, including Bangladesh, said the statement from the foreign ministry.

A significant number of youth and sports ministers from OIC member states will be invited to the inauguration ceremony.

The Bangabandhu Youth Award will be conferred to 10 participants in that programme. Later, they will participate in a humanitarian boot camp at Cox's Bazar Rohingya camp.

In addition, there will be a Holy Quran recitation competition, film festival, art exhibition, debate competition, voluntary camp, youth summit and business hub boot camp, football camp and a grand closing ceremony, the statement said.

The foreign minister said Bangladesh would like to take a leadership role among Muslim nations and exhibit itself to the world as the land of opportunities and growth possibilities.

He 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 Zahid Ahsan Russel said the selection of Dhaka as the "OIC Youth Capital 2020" will play a significant role in reflecting a positive brand image of Bangladesh globally especially 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.

"It will inject a great momentum, inspiration and motivation among the vast young population of Bangladesh and the OIC member states as well," he said.

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, Russel said.