Bangladesh’s Youth and Sports Adviser Asif Mahmud Shojib Bhuyain conducted an official meeting with Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, the Director-General of the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), at the organization’s Rabat headquarters during his Morocco visit on Tuesday.

ICESCO represents an intergovernmental alliance of 53 predominantly Muslim nations. During their discussion, Adviser Mahmud commended ICESCO’s various programs under Dr. AlMalik’s guidance, spanning education, scientific research, innovation, environmental protection, healthcare, and cultural preservation throughout Islamic countries.

Bangladesh’s Youth Development Priorities

Mahmud emphasized Bangladesh’s government prioritization of youth development within its national growth strategy. He outlined multiple domestic initiatives focused on strengthening young people’s skills and capabilities, while requesting ICESCO’s partnership in these endeavors.

Key Proposals for Collaboration

The adviser made two key proposals: first, establishing an Islamic Culture and Language Centre in Bangladesh with ICESCO backing to enhance public understanding and academic research regarding Islamic heritage and linguistics. Second, he requested support for implementing ICESCO’s Smart Classroom technology, which has proven successful in other member nations, within Bangladeshi educational facilities.

ICESCO’s Positive Response

Dr. AlMalik responded positively, expressing admiration for Bangladesh’s youth potential and recognizing the country’s reliable financial support as a founding ICESCO member, which has been crucial for sustaining organizational programs. He detailed ICESCO’s current work in education, healthcare, and other priority areas while confirming the organization’s commitment to collaborative partnerships with Bangladesh.

International Opportunities and Climate Leadership

The Director-General showed particular interest in engaging talented Bangladeshi youth in ICESCO’s international educational and research programs. He praised Bangladesh’s climate change mitigation efforts as a model for the Islamic world and invited Bangladeshi environmental specialists to join ICESCO’s global climate initiatives. Dr. AlMalik also expressed interest in appointing a qualified Bangladeshi professional to a senior organizational role.

Additionally, he sought Bangladesh’s assistance in expanding the Grameen Bank microcredit system, developed by Nobel Prize winner Professor Muhammad Yunus, to African countries within ICESCO’s network.

Cultural Exchange and Future Prospects

Both parties expressed enthusiasm about deepening future cooperative relationships. The meeting concluded with Mahmud touring the International Fair and Museum of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and Islamic Civilization at ICESCO headquarters, where he suggested featuring Bangladesh’s cultural heritage in upcoming exhibitions and expressed hopes for establishing a comparable museum in Bangladesh.

Original Article:

Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha (BSS). (2025, July 28). Bangladesh to ensure quality halal products to expand market. https://www.bssnews.net/news-flash/288340