Dhaka: Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday asked the country’s youths to shun the path of drug abuse, militancy, extremism and terrorism, and make the best use of their talents for the welfare of themselves, their own families and the country.

‘I’ll l ask the youth to stay away from drugs, militancy, terrorism and extremism, utilise your talents and power to develop your own lives, your family, and it’ll help develop the country as well. I ask you all to work this way,’ she said.

The prime minister said this while inaugurating the National Youth Day 2016 at Osmani Memorial Auditorium in Dhaka.

Department of Youth Development organised the programme with State Minister for Youth and Sports Dr Biren Sikder in the chair.

Sheikh Hasina said she does not want youths to go to wrong path and become the burdens of sorrow of their parents. ‘Youths must refrain from drugs, terrorism, extremism and militancy because these menaces never drive anyone to a healthy way, and these will never let anyone to go to heaven.’

Pointing to the recent trend of extremism and terrorism in the name of Islam across the globe, the Prime Minister said there is no scope of terrorism and militancy in Islam. ‘Islam is the religion of peace, this religion never permits anyone to kill people, all have to remember this,’ she said.

Sheikh Hasina mentioned that those who are killing people creating religious madness will never get place in heaven.

Deputy Minister for Youth and Sports Arif Khan Joy, Chairman of the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Youth and Sports Ministry Zahid Ahsan Russel, Secretary Kazi Akhter Uddin Ahmed, award recipients Amio Chakrawarty and Sultana Bobby, and director general of the Department of Youth Development Anwarul Karim also spoke at the programme.

The Prime Minister handed over National Youth Award to 19 youths for their contributions to establishing self-employment projects.