Bangladesh is a place full of possibilities, and its youth are the key to its tomorrow. Countless young leaders, the bulk of whom are under the age of 25, are smashing obstacles, taking chances, and proving that age is not a factor in what is possible. They’re founding new businesses, repairing education, fighting global warming, and leveraging digital technology to create a better Bangladesh and world. We are here to share with you the stories of four incredible young Bangladeshis who demonstrate that with powerful ideas and a firm resolve, change is possible.
Shomy Hasan Chowdhury
At the young age of 15, Shomy Hasan Chowdhury initiated activism after her mother passed away due to diarrhea. Her activism in WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) is the most recognized in Bangladesh. Shomy’s mission was close to her heart from a very young age. By the time she was 23, she had transformed countless lives by developing her village and running hygiene campaigns in Bangladesh’s slums.
She co-founded Awareness 360, a global community that encourages youth to create social transformation. Her efforts have gained global awards, such as being listed in Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and winning the U.S. government’s President’s Volunteer Service Award. Shomy is firm in her belief that youth are qualified and should help the world become better.
Sadat Rahman
The 17-year-old Sadat Rahman of Narail, Bangladesh, hit headlines all over the world when he received the International Children’s Peace Prize in 2020. Inspired by the suicide of his 15-year-old friend who was its online bullying, Sadat designed the ‘Cyber Teens‘ mobile app. The app helps teenagers report online intimidation anonymously and provides content that educates teenagers about being safe on the internet. The app has reached an estimated 450,000 teenagers since its inception and helped bring several cyberspace criminals under arrest.
Sadat’s actions captured the attention of other international agencies, including Europol, and were featured in major dailies like The Daily Star and The Business Standard. Sadat’s work is proof of what can be done with youth-driven innovation in solving seemingly intransigent social issues.
Rakibul Hasan
Rakibul Hasan, a 24-year-old, is fighting an environmental crisis by founding “Green Warriors Bangladesh,” a youth-led organization dedicated to the environment. As we all know that climate change is a striking issue in Bangladesh, one of the most vulnerable countries to its impacts. Rakibul has been organizing tree planting movements, seaside cleanups, and promoting awareness about sustainability through campaigns.
His team has planted over 50,000 trees and educated numerous young individuals on environmental activism. Rakibul’s efforts towards climate justice are not only local—he has participated in UN youth summits and green forums internationally. He is very concerned with educating young individuals about environmental challenges and engaging them in local communities. You can go check out his website too!
Nafisa Tabassum
Only aged 21, Nafisa Tabassum is empowering young girls to enter the predominantly male industry of technology. Nafisa has educated over 1,000 girls in coding, from primary to advanced levels, with her program “She Codes Bangladesh.” She believes that becoming economically independent begins with acquiring new skills, particularly in today’s increasingly technological world.
It is even more incredible that it all began in a small town with not many opportunities. Nafisa taught herself to code on free websites and created her lesson plans to instruct others. Her former students now work in startup firms, freelance, or pursue technology in foreign countries. Her mission is straightforward: to help bridge the gap between men and women in STEM, one girl at a time.
Why Their Stories Matter
These change-makers demonstrate to youth that they are capable of changing things by themselves. They discover issues, seek options, and mobilize individuals. Even if young adults have numerous problems, these individuals demonstrate that with hard work and focus, anyone is capable of making alterations even before reaching the age of 25.
Young leadership is on the rise in Bangladesh. Social media, technology, and global connectivity allow young leaders to share, connect with like-minded others, and draw support from across the world.
How We Can Help Them
To assist these young leaders in achieving their potential, there should be support from society in the form of resources, honest policies, and opportunities to express themselves. Entrepreneurship and real-world problem-solving should be merged into schools’ curricula. The future of Bangladesh rests in its youth and talents. In the stories of Shomy, Joyeeta, Rakibul, and Nafisa, we see that change is not waiting for tomorrow but begins today with the youth.
With advancements in education, actions towards climate, gender equality, and technology, they are establishing greater opportunities for themselves and the nation as a whole. They are making things happen. Whenever you’re wondering what young people are capable of, consider these Bangladeshis under age 25 who are transforming the world. They are already doing it.
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Writer
Maliha Mahbub
Intern, Content Writing Department
YSSE