Mymensingh residents, young people, civil society representatives and media professionals came together to put citizens’ priorities directly before the city administration and call for stronger, more responsive urban governance.
On 12 September 2026, SERAC-Bangladesh organized the Civic Summit on Urban Issues and Youth Engagement through the Nagorik Songjog (CivicConnect Mymensingh) platform, in collaboration with the Mymensingh Urban Youth Council (MUYC). The summit created a platform for citizens and young people to identify pressing urban challenges, share recommendations, and strengthen meaningful participation in decisions affecting their city.
In his welcome remarks, SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, emphasized that meaningful citizenship requires awareness of both rights and responsibilities. He highlighted the role of the Mymensingh Urban Youth Council as a bridge between citizens and the City Corporation, helping strengthen communication, participation and collaboration. He expressed hope that implementation of the 12-point Citizen Memorandum would contribute to building a cleaner, more inclusive and citizen-friendly Mymensingh.
Receiving the memorandum, Md. Rukunuzzaman Rokon, Administrator of Mymensingh City Corporation, called for stronger coordination and cooperation between the City Corporation and citizens. He highlighted the importance of responsible citizen participation in addressing waste management, waterlogging, road maintenance, mosquito control and dengue prevention. He also encouraged young people to take a more active role in civic initiatives, advocacy and public engagement.
Adv. S. M. Sibbir Ahmed Liton, Member of the Citizens’ Committee, noted that mechanisms are available for raising and addressing citizens’ concerns and expressed hope that appropriate action would follow. He encouraged citizens to support positive initiatives while continuing to raise constructive criticism where improvements are needed.
Md. Abdul Qayyum, General Secretary of Mymensingh Press Club, said that the concerns raised at the summit would be carried forward through relevant committees and platforms, including district-level forums in which media representatives participate. He reaffirmed the media’s role in raising public awareness and ensuring wider attention to urban challenges.
The discussion session, “Building an Ideal Mymensingh: Urban Challenges, Youth Perspectives and Institutional Initiatives,” explored the city’s key challenges and the institutional measures required to address them. During the open discussion, young people and citizens shared their lived experiences, expectations and recommendations. Their inputs contributed directly to shaping the final Citizen Memorandum.
Citizens’ Priorities for a Better Mymensingh Developed on behalf of the citizens of Mymensingh, the memorandum calls for action in six key areas:
Participation and transparency: Ensure meaningful citizen participation in urban planning, implementation and monitoring, alongside greater public access to information on development plans, projects and progress.
Safety and environment: Strengthen measures to prevent the spread of narcotics, protect and restore the ecological health of the Brahmaputra River, reduce pollution, and improve urban safety and security.
Infrastructure and public services: Introduce modern measures to reduce traffic congestion; strengthen waste management and healthcare services; improve road maintenance; promote safer transportation; and develop pedestrian-friendly infrastructure.
Drainage and waterlogging: Develop sustainable, long-term solutions to waterlogging through modern and effective drainage systems.
Digital citizenship: Engage young people in awareness initiatives on cybersecurity,
online fraud, personal data protection and responsible digital citizenship.
Ongoing citizen–government dialogue: Establish regular consultation and progress-review mechanisms involving the City Corporation, citizens, youth representatives, civil society organizations and other relevant stakeholders.
From Participation to Accountability
The summit marked an important step toward strengthening citizen–government dialogue and accountability in Mymensingh. Through Nagorik Songjog, citizens have a platform to identify local challenges and communicate their priorities. Through the Mymensingh Urban Youth Council, young people have an organized, youth-led channel for civic engagement and advocacy.
The objective is not simply to document problems. It is to create a sustained process through which citizens can identify issues, amplify concerns, engage decision-makers, advocate for solutions and follow up on progress.
SERAC-Bangladesh appreciates the cooperation and positive response of the Mymensingh City Corporation Administrator, officials and staff throughout the initiative.
The summit concluded with a shared vision: through active citizenship, youth leadership, institutional responsiveness and collective action, Mymensingh can become a more inclusive, safe, clean, modern, accountable and livable city for everyone.