In response to rapid technological transformation, social instability, gender-based violence, climate disruption, and political volatility, Bangladesh’s education sector stands at a critical crossroads. A vibrant gathering of young visionaries presented transformative solutions to address learning gaps and social inequalities amplified in the post-pandemic era.
In a rigorous five-day residential Policy Hackathon 2025 in Dhaka on “Education in Times of Transition” Sixty youth participants from 15 districts across Bangladesh took part in workshops on gender equality and social inclusion, policy advocacy, project management, and communication. They were mentored by YfP alumni, former policy hackathon participants, and professionals from the education and development sectors. Afterwards, their shared determination culminated in pitch presentations delivered before a distinguished panel of judges.
The Grand Finale panel of judges featured Nazim Farhan Choudhury (Managing Director, Adcomm Limited), Azmeri Haque Badhon (Actress and Social Advocate), and A.K.M. Fahim Mashroor (Founder and CEO, bdjobs.com), who highly regarded the creativity and analytical rigor demonstrated by the youth teams. They assessed the five finalist teams on their innovative, evidence-based policy solutions addressing a range of critical challenges.
A total of 10 teams advanced to the final round out of 15 competing youth committees , from which the top five initiatives were selected. The Faridpur and Pabna teams put their focus on mental health awareness and support, aiming to address emotional well-being within their communities. The Dhaka team worked on strengthening social and emotional learning among young people to build resilience and positive interpersonal skills. Meanwhile, the Moulvibazar team engaged with the tea garden community to support their educational development and academic well-being , and the Dinajpur team led an initiative on environmental awareness education to promote sustainable practices.
An exceptional initiative championed by a team ‘CareerVerse’ from Rangpur concentrated to develop skilled, innovative, and career-ready human resources in Bangladesh by integrating AI literacy, civic education, entrepreneurship, and future career guidance into an inclusive curriculum framework co-created with teachers, students, and youth organizers. Their initiative aimed to bridge the gap between education and employability, as well as empower university students.
The first runner-up, ‘Amuni Kau’ focused on advancing pre-primary education for children in Tripura through audiobook content in their mother tongue, reducing the dropout rate from schools, and encouraging the administration to provide education in the mother tongue using visual content.
Concurrently, ‘PLUGN CATALYST’, the second runner-up aimed at teaching institutional books through competitive activities as well as forming a youth team to conduct classes in Mro language, and encouraging students in learning by organizing poetry, drawing, and sports competitions as part of weekly educational campaigns.
Simultaneously, the third runner-up ‘Tori‘s main objective was to establish an education-resilient community where in any disaster, continuity of education for children, adolescents, and youth is maintained.
Meanwhile, ‘Team EduShield’ targeted on providing holistic education, promoting life skills along with personality development and fostering leadership qualities coupled with community engagement among students.
Nazim Farhan Choudhury praised the joint resolve of the participants, stating, “Every team had unique strengths—it was truly difficult to decide the best. You all share the same goal: taking our country forward.”
Looking back at the event, Azmeri Haque Badhon conveyed her appreciation, saying, “It’s wonderful to see youth from all over Bangladesh sharing their ideas. Congratulations to everyone who took part.”
Fahim Mashroor emphasized the current challenges in the education sector, noting, “We’ve seen how unequal access still affects education. There’s so much more to be done, and we must continue together.”
The youth-generated policy ideas after the conclusion of Policy Hackathon 2025 will now progress to pilot implementation and local level advocacy through Youth for Policy committees across Bangladesh. Hence, ensuring that young voices continue to influence the country’s education landscape and advance the vision of an informed, inclusive, and democratic generation.