Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina yesterday interacted with a diverse group of youths and listened to their dreams, hopes and aspirations about future Bangladesh.

Demonstrating a strong sense of enthusiasm and vigour, around 150 young people selected from across the country, including professionals, entrepreneurs, students, sports and cultural personalities, and representatives of various youth groups and associations, took part in the discussion, “Let's Talk with Sheikh Hasina", organised by the Centre for Research and Information (CRI).

For the first time in Bangladesh's political history, the PM directly talked to the youths and asked the participants to share their ideas and thoughts on the country's development.

The participants discussed the government's policies and measures to take the country forward, including employment opportunities, quality of education, women empowerment, entrepreneurship and research, fighting the menaces of corruption and violent extremism and ensuring transparency in governance.

Taking up this opportunity, the participants also enquired about the struggles the PM had to endure throughout her life, including the tragic event of August 15, 1975, her days as an opposition leader and her time in prison after the 1/11 changeover.

Hasina recalled her fond memories of her childhood and the lessons of her own youth to encourage the young minds of today.

In a segment titled “What would you do if you were the prime minister?”, the young participants articulated their priorities for the country, including equitable development of regions, education for rural youths, welfare of specially-abled persons and so on.

Following the discussion, the youngsters were given an opportunity to take photos with the PM at the Gono Bhaban.

A number of ministers and lawmakers had previously taken part in various editions of Let's Talk, culminating in this special event with the prime minister.