On 5 July 2026, SERAC-Bangladesh officially launched the CivicConnect: Youth Bridging Citizens and Government project in Mymensingh, marking an important step toward strengthening civic participation, youth leadership, and citizen–government collaboration at the local level. Implemented by SERAC-Bangladesh in collaboration with DDI South Asia, Accountability Lab and Mymensingh Urban Youth Council, the project aims to promote meaningful civic engagement, empower young people to take on leadership roles, and contribute to building more accountable, responsive, and inclusive local governance.
The project began with the successful completion of its first milestone the Establishment of a Youth-Led Civic Platform. This platform brings together representatives from diverse sectors of society, including journalists, academicians, student representatives, members of the Mymensingh Urban Youth Council, advocates, social workers, NGO professionals, business representatives, and community leaders. Their collective participation reflects a shared commitment to fostering inclusive dialogue and collaborative problem-solving for the city’s development.
Meaningful local governance depends on active citizen participation. Yet, many citizens- particularly young people often lack accessible opportunities to engage with public institutions and contribute to decision-making processes. CivicConnect has been designed to bridge this gap by creating a safe, inclusive, and participatory platform where people can openly discuss local challenges, exchange ideas, and contribute practical recommendations for improving Mymensingh City.
The platform encourages collaboration among citizens, civil society organizations, community leaders, and local stakeholders, ensuring that diverse perspectives are reflected in discussions on urban development and public services. Young people are at the heart of CivicConnect. As agents of positive change, they play a vital role in identifying community needs, promoting civic awareness, and encouraging constructive dialogue between citizens and public institutions. Through this initiative, youth will have opportunities to enhance their leadership, advocacy, and civic engagement skills while working alongside experienced professionals from different sectors.
By empowering young leaders and fostering partnerships across communities, the project aims to create sustainable mechanisms for citizen participation that extend beyond the project’s duration.
The establishment of the Youth-Led Civic Platform is only the beginning. Over the coming months, CivicConnect will facilitate a range of activities designed to strengthen democratic participation and improve citizen–government engagement. These include digital civic engagement initiatives, capacity-building activities, advocacy efforts, Open House Meetings, and collaborative dialogues that will amplify community voices and promote accountability.
The successful launch of CivicConnect represents a significant milestone in SERAC-Bangladesh’s ongoing commitment to youth empowerment, democratic participation, and sustainable local development. Through collective action and meaningful collaboration, the project aspires to strengthen trust between citizens and institutions while fostering a culture of active civic participation.