At a recent event held at the Rajshahi College auditorium encouraged young people to raise their voices against injustice and irregularities. Following a theatrical performance, speakers emphasized the importance of youth advocating for their rights and standing up for fairness. This event was part of the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign, funded by USAID and hosted by Democracy International, aimed at inspiring young people to take action on social issues in their communities.
Professor Parvez Azharul Haque from the Department of Public Administration at Rajshahi University emphasized the need to highlight societal disparities and advocate for democracy during the event. He noted that, silence contributes to inequality and irregularities. He urged everyone to commit to building the nation together and to overcome apathy and all forms of injustice.
Gulam Mustafa Mamun, Vice President of the Multi-Party Advocacy Forum in Rajshahi, reflected on the youth’s significant role during the August uprising, where they made their presence felt on the streets. He stressed that to build a better Bangladesh, the youth must become even more empowered, skilled, and proactive. He highlighted that many young people have selflessly dedicated their lives to protest against injustice, and called for harnessing this strength to advance the country.
Tajmultan Tutul, Joint Secretary of the Multi-Party Advocacy Forum in Rajshahi, urged everyone to stand up against any form of injustice. He emphasized that the country belongs to its citizens, and it is their responsibility to voice their concerns and advocate for the nation’s future.
The speakers also stressed the importance of ensuring freedom of expression as a cornerstone for establishing a democratic society. They highlighted that fostering positive and open dialogue is essential for building an equitable Bangladesh, and that there are no alternatives to this approach.
The event was conducted by Ashek Tanvir Anik, Program Assistant at Democracy International. At the beginning, Sohrab Hossain, Communications Officer of Democracy International, introduced the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign, outlining its objectives and significance in promoting civic engagement and advocacy.
Under the USAID Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project, Democracy International is implementing the “Amio Jitte Chai” campaign, conducting various programs across districts and campuses. These include theatrical performances, discussions, and debate competitions aimed at highlighting citizens’ aspirations. The organization is also actively using the website www.amiojittechai.com to gather and address citizens’ demands, opinions, and issues throughout the country.
Before the discussion, an interactive theater performance was held, along with quiz and video message competitions. During the event, participants were encouraged to share their demands and opinions through the website www.amiojittechai.com. Guests later presented awards to the winners of the competitions, celebrating their contributions and engagement.