This supplement was originally published in Prothom Alo on October 17, 2024.
“Young people who led the revolution must have a lasting role, both in action and in decision-making, to help shape public policy and the political landscape in Bangladesh.” This was a key takeaway from the roundtable discussion, “A Bangladesh Free from Discrimination: Youth Perspectives,” held on September 18, 2024, at the Prothom Alo office in Dhaka. Organized by Youth for Policy and IID, the event brought together a range of voices to discuss how a united, diverse effort is needed to build a fairer society.
The event featured notable speakers, including Umama Fatema and Nazifa Jannat from the anti-discrimination student movement, Mamun Abdullahil from the National Liaison Committee, Ashraf Uddin Mahdi and Arpita Shyama Dev of the National Citizens’ Committee, IID CEO Syeed Ahmed, and IID’s Senior Assistant Director, Sultana Mehjabin. Firoz Chowdhury, Assistant Editor of Prothom Alo, moderated the conversation.
Young volunteers from different regions shared insights on local challenges, with participants like Niloy Saha from Rajshahi and Nishat Aunjum from Dhaka highlighting the need for marginalized youth voices to be part of national conversations. They stressed that regional issues can only be effectively addressed if youth from all backgrounds are represented on political platforms.
The speakers proposed a range of ideas to encourage more youth involvement in politics:
- Building political awareness by reducing partisanship.
- Establishing elected student councils to develop future leaders.
- Creating local youth programs to strengthen community ties.
- Addressing discrimination faced by ethnic and minority groups.
- Giving youth a role in policy-making through legal reforms.
- Updating school curricula to encourage critical thinking.
The event closed with a strong message to work together in bringing these changes to life, laying a foundation for a more inclusive Bangladesh. It showed just how vital young people are in shaping their country’s future by participating in policy and governance.
For more, see the full article on Prothom Alo.
