Youth reboot Bangladesh

Bangladesh is facing a crucial turning point in history. The country has experienced unprecedented loss of life, violence, and destruction over the past month, alongside unmatched courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by its young people. We deeply mourn the loss of so many lives.

In a country where almost a third of the population is youth, it is imperative that their voices are heard in determining the nation’s future. We have seen them taking on the task of building a better and more equitable Bangladesh—actively participating in policymaking at the highest level and volunteering in their communities to tackle local challenges. Their passion, clarity of thought, and ownership for Bangladesh’s future are remarkable and inspiring. 

BRAC has always been solution and action-focused. We have continued to deliver critical services amidst the transition, particularly to vulnerable communities. In light of the current situation, and particularly the needs of young people, marginalised communities, and vulnerable groups, we are immediately undertaking the following measures:

1. Expand and strengthen our ongoing education, skills development, and employment initiatives for young people.
2. Facilitate rehabilitation of injured people through prosthetic limbs from the BRAC Limb and Brace Centre. 
3. Provide mental health support and psychosocial counselling to university students.
4. Conduct an assessment of the most vulnerable people affected by violence and offer primary rehabilitation assistance.
5. Support small and medium entrepreneurs, especially women, to revitalise the rural economy and recover from economic losses.

BRAC was established in 1972, in the aftermath of Bangladesh’s war of independence, by Sir Fazle Hasan Abed and a group of young freedom fighters with the vision of establishing a world free from exploitation and discrimination.

In the first convocation ceremony of BRAC University in 2006, Sir Fazle said, “The purpose of BRAC University is to build future leaders because motivated, well-informed, and educated leadership is essential for the progress and prosperity of any society.” The determination, consciousness, and leadership shown by students all over Bangladesh are teaching us to think anew. 

We believe that the true potential of this vibrant nation can be realised through an equal and inclusive society. Inequality is human-made, so it can be unmade. We owe it to the sacrifices of the young people to unite, restore harmony, secure freedom of expression for all and resist all forms of violence.

Change happens only when vision meets action. Let’s not just dream of an equitable Bangladesh – let’s build it together.