"In 1972, when Bangladesh joined the Commonwealth as its 34th Member, the country was still in its infant stage struggling with a war-torn economy and a ravaged infrastructure due to the aftermath of the War of Independence. Over time, Bangladesh attained tremendous development on its economic front.
"Bangladesh can work towards nurturing a strong bond and support structure among the member countries of the Commonwealth. The Commonwealth represents a diverse pool of countries of many unique strengths which presents opportunities to boost trade for all the members."
"As the first Bangladeshi woman to run the Commonwealth Youth Council executives’ election, when I look back at my five-year-long engagement with different Commonwealth Youth Programmes, I find the experience immensely rewarding and completely reshaping me as a better person."
Photo: The 1926 Imperial Conference was notable for producing the Balfour Declaration, which established the principle that the dominions are all equal in status, and "autonomous communities within the British Empire" not subordinate to the United Kingdom. The term "Commonwealth" was officially adopted to describe the community. | via Wikimedia Commons
"The future of democracy depends on our vigilance. By building more comprehensive global connections we can stop the rising tide of fear-mongering and other elements that are dividing and tarnishing our democracies. Democracy, the rule of law, and fundamental rights are interlinked, interdependent, and mutually reinforcing. One cannot exist without the others.
"The Commonwealth and the 2.4 billion people living in it, especially the youth, have the biggest duty. A united Commonwealth can become a beacon for global democracy and set the example of ideal co-operation. The Commonwealth must stay united and vigilant, now more than ever, to protect and nurture true global democracy around the world. After all, democracy is not a destination, rather an ever-going journey."
"#Reform53 - Together for Legal Equality" is such an advocacy campaign, which is currently being run by the Commonwealth Youth Gender and Equality Network (CYGEN) and which calls for the leaders of all 54 Commonwealth countries to reform laws that discriminate against women, girls and people with diverse SOGIESC.
"Discriminatory laws remain a barrier to gender equality, and we urge reform where discrimination still exists in the penal codes of Commonwealth countries. CHOGM 2021 gives hope to the fight for gender equality. Youth activists are ready to take the lead, but we need support from civil society, the media, and those most fortunate in our society."