Chief Adviser (CA) Professor Muhammad Yunus has urged for the expansion and strengthening of Bangladesh National Cadet Corps (BNCC), calling it a vital platform for nurturing leadership, discipline, and civic responsibility among the country’s youth.

The Chief Adviser made the call after attending a presentation titled “National Transformation Through BNCC” by BNCC Director General Brigadier General Abu Sayed Al Masud at the State Guest House Jamuna on Tuesday, according to a press release issued by the Chief Adviser’s Press Wing.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman, Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed, Foreign Affairs Adviser Md Touhid Hossain, and Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Dr Anisuzzaman were present at the meeting.

During the presentation, Brigadier General Al Masud outlined BNCC’s structure, youth workforce development plans, manpower needs, and challenges. He said BNCC currently operates in 561 educational institutions and aims to expand to all institutions nationwide, targeting the training of four million skilled cadets by 2030.

Professor Yunus expressed strong support for BNCC’s long-term vision, stressing the importance of quality training and inclusivity.

“We all support BNCC, but we need to focus on quality and ensure we have good, credible instructors. We must adopt a futuristic approach,” he said.

He also underscored the importance of self-respect, discipline, and gender equality.

“BNCC is about self-respect and discipline. There should be a system to certify cadets, which will help them in employment. Equal participation of girls must be ensured,” the Chief Adviser added.

Finance Adviser Dr Salehuddin Ahmed highlighted the need to make BNCC more operational and effective.

“We have to consider in what sort of situations we can mobilise these volunteers,” he noted.

National Security Adviser Dr Khalilur Rahman praised BNCC’s role in supporting national efforts after the July Uprising.

“BNCC cadets helped manage traffic and maintain order during a crucial time—it was a commendable initiative,” he said.

Thanking the BNCC leadership for their presentation, Professor Yunus reaffirmed the government’s commitment to integrating youth engagement and leadership development within the country’s broader national transformation agenda.