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A seminar on sustainable development and institutional integrity, focusing on the role of youth, was held at Stamford University Bangladesh, organized by Youth Engagement and Support (YES). The event took place in the university auditorium, opening with a performance of Transparency International Bangladesh’s anti-corruption theme song “Jago Manush Jago.”
The welcome address was delivered by YES team leader Rakibul Hasan Rakib. The seminar was inaugurated by Dr. Mohammad Ziaul Hasan, Acting Vice-Chancellor of Stamford University Bangladesh, who lauded Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) for strengthening social movements against corruption and promoting sustainable development. He emphasized the importance of raising awareness about corruption among young people and urged the government to take a firmer stance against bureaucratic inefficiencies and corrupt practices. He also pledged to ensure a corruption-free environment within his own institution.
Dr. Mahmuda Parvin, Chairperson of the Environmental Science Department and advisor to Stamford YES, outlined the seminar’s objectives. She discussed the role of youth in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions, and highlighted TIB’s contribution to social movements against corruption. Tamanna Jerin, esteemed advisor of the Students’ Welfare Department, stressed that ethical governance and integrity are as crucial as infrastructural development for maintaining an institution’s reputation.
The keynote paper was presented by Md. Atikur Rahman, Civic Engagement Coordinator at Transparency International Bangladesh, who emphasized transparency, accountability, rule of law, justice, and citizen services. He noted that political instability poses a major obstacle to good governance, and without addressing corruption, effective governance cannot be established. Rahman also discussed practices of integrity at both individual and institutional levels and highlighted Bangladesh’s current standing in corruption indices.
A documentary video on building a corruption-free and equitable society was screened during the seminar. Special guest Dr. Ahmad Kamruzzaman Mazumder, Dean of the Faculty of Science, discussed various forms of corruption and their impacts, highlighting issues such as waste management, air and noise pollution, and administrative lapses in the Department of Environment, urging students to speak out.
In the closing remarks, Dr. Mahmuda Parvin, convener of the YES Forum, expressed gratitude to all guests, faculty members, officials, and students for their participation. Other attendees included Farhana Chowdhury, Chairperson of the Civil Engineering Department, and Sadia Afrin Chowdhury, Chairperson of the Pharmacy Department. The seminar was jointly hosted by YES club members Yunus Rifat and Fouzia Hossain.
The seminar successfully underscored the pivotal role of youth in promoting institutional integrity and achieving sustainable development in Bangladesh.
