On May 20, 2024, the Nabab Nawab Ali Senate Bhaban of Dhaka University witnessed a vibrant assembly of 350 youth representatives from various constituencies across Bangladesh for the 14th session of the Bangladesh Youth Mock Parliament. This remarkable event, organized in line with the rules of business of our national parliament, was a testament to the power of youth in shaping the future of our nation. Facilitated by the Speaker, the session allowed young parliamentarians to discuss thematic proposals and make specific recommendations. Following a robust and democratic parliamentary discussion, the Speaker concluded by announcing the proposals made by the members, followed by a vote.
The honorable Chief Gust, Md Abdul Wadud Dara MP, State Minister of the Ministry of Local Government, Rural Development, and Cooperatives, and Special Guests including Ferdous Ahmed MP, Anima Mukti Gomez MP, Md. Shahidul Alam NDC, DG of FPMU and others shared their observations on the session, emphasizing the importance of such youth engagement initiatives and aiming to ensure the voices of young people are heard and considered in the policymaking process.
The 14th session of BYMP was facilitated by the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) as part of the Bangladesh Youth Pledge campaign. Youth Against Hunger and Bikoshoto Bangladesh Foundation played the secretariat role, with several enthusiastic civil society organizations including SERAC-Bangladesh, ACT4FOOD, BSAFE, BASTOB and others acting as co-organizers. A working committee including representatives from the partners and co-organizers coordinated the event.
The Bangladesh Youth Mock Parliament is one of the successful programs by Youth Against Hunger aimed at realizing the right to food (R2F) by engaging young people, the future leaders of our country. Their engagement is crucial for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SERAC-Bangladesh is proud to be a co-organizer of this initiative, supporting the engagement of youth in national and global advocacy efforts.
