May 28, 2022 (Friday) Mymensingh City Corporation and SERAC-Bangladesh jointly held a guideline draft validation workshop meeting with government and non-government development officials on the Urban Youth Council guidelines at a local auditorium in Mymensingh.
A final policy was developed in consultation with local government and non-government officials on the draft policies prepared in collaboration with the members of the Temporary Task Force in the previous guideline workshop on Urban Youth Council Guidelines.
In this meeting, Engineer Md. Nurul Amin Kalam, General Secretary of Mymensingh District Citizens Movement mentioned that he applauded SERAC-Bangladesh for creating new opportunities for the youth through this project and assured all possible cooperation.
During the meeting, SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, said that the project aims to involve the youth in the development activities of the city by democratically electing representatives from among them and presenting their views, opinions, and demands to the City Corporation. It will play a vital role in the development and leadership of the youth. By joining the City Youth Council as Youth Councilors elected by the youth under the project, the City Corporation will advise, participate and motivate the youth in the development activities of the city under the supervision of the honorable Mayor. The project will also assist the Government of Bangladesh in achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals 11 and 18.
Md. Rafiqul Islam, 29th Ward Councilor of Mymensingh City Corporation, SM Shaikat, Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh, Shuvro Chakraborty, President of Mymensingh Youth Civil Society, Anwara Karim Social Welfare Organization President Kavya Sumi Sarkar, Mostafizur Rahman of district representative of daily Somokal, Shahejjer Dakpion General Editor Hasibul Banna Riyadh and Daily Sabuj’s journalist Md. Moin Uddin were present as a guest.
Also present at the meeting were Nahidur Rahman, Associate Program Officer, Associate Program Officer Md. Shofillah, Associate Admin Officer Md. Azizul Haque, Associate Finance and Admin Officer Prabal Roy, and Program Associate Sumaiya Akhter Mili of SERAC-Bangladesh.
It is to be noted that the national development policies of Bangladesh have ensured opportunities for youth skills development and job creation. As a result, youth will be involved in decision-making at the local level. A two-year Advancing Engagement by Setting Up Urban Youth Councils in four cities of Bangladesh (Mymensingh, Rangpur, Rajshahi, Narayanganj) with the support of SERAC-Bangladesh UNDEF and UN-Habitat to empower the youth and ensure their participation in decision making in general services. Bangladesh has adopted the project.