Brigadier General (retd) Dr AKM Shamsul Islam, adviser to the Ministry of Defence and Armed Forces Division, has highlighted the central role of young people in strengthening Bangladesh's national security.
He delivered a lecture titled "Youth and National Security: Shaping the Future of Bangladesh" at BRAC University yesterday (12 October), according to the press release.
Shamsul Islam told students that national security, traditionally regarded as the responsibility of the armed forces, now encompassed a much broader range of issues built around three pillars.
The first involved the armed forces and resources, including personnel, equipment and defence readiness. The second centred on people's will, resilience and social cohesion.
The third covered the economy, diplomacy and information, alongside cybersecurity, politics, geography and national spirit.
The strength of the younger generation lay at the centre of all three pillars, he said.
Shamsul Islam identified three potentially viable national defence options for a country such as Bangladesh: conventional military parity, strategic alliances and credible deterrence.
Professor Mohammad Mujibul Haque, dean of BRAC Business School, reflected on key points from the lecture, including young people's contributions to Bangladesh's history.
He also emphasised the adviser's recommendation to develop knowledge, skills and abilities while placing honesty and integrity above all else.
Earlier, Shamsul Islam inaugurated the SICIP BRAC University Career Fair 2026 on the campus.
BRAC University signed a memorandum of understanding last year with the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovations Programme (SICIP) to provide advanced training aimed at strengthening Bangladesh's industrial skills and innovation ecosystem.
Running from October 2025 to December 2028, the university's training programmes aim to develop the technical and professional skills of 1,615 professionals and graduates in information and communication technology and pharmaceuticals.
The government is implementing SICIP through the Finance Division under the Ministry of Finance as the executing agency, with the aim of developing a workforce equipped for technology adoption and innovation.
Supported by the Asian Development Bank, the broader programme runs from October 2023 to June 2029, with a total cost of $375 million and a target of training approximately 220,000 people.
Through the partnership, BRAC University aims to promote inclusive participation, including opportunities for women and disadvantaged groups, strengthen university-industry collaboration, and build capacity for green and technology-driven manufacturing and services.
Those present included BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Syed Ferhat Anwar, Treasurer Ariful Islam, Registrar David Dowland, Office of Communications Director Khairul Basher and Head of Student Life Tahsina Rahman.
Afsana Akhtar, assistant professor at BRAC Business School, and Professor Amitabha Chakrabarty of the Department of Computer Science and Engineering also attended.