Trailblazing Tomorrow: BRAC Inspires Youth Innovation
The day-long event titled The Way or Agamir Poth was successfully held with active participation from students of various universities, young entrepreneurs, and professionals. The program featured interactive lectures, panel discussions, debates, showcases of youth-led initiatives, exhibitions of BRAC’s programs, film screenings, music therapy sessions, and other activities.
Additionally, young innovators and BRAC initiatives were highlighted. Participants of BRAC’s Water Hackathon and the Amra Notun Network presented three projects—Jotner Dokan, Eco Care, and Ujjibon. BRAC University’s Robotics Club and Environment and Innovation Club showcased five projects related to technology and sustainable development.
Held on 24 August, Sunday, at BRAC University’s Merul Badda campus, this joint initiative by BRAC and BRAC University aimed to encourage young people to engage in leadership, innovation, and advocacy while creating opportunities for them. Nearly 250 students from various universities and educational institutions participated, along with members of BRAC Youth Programs, young professionals, development associates, media personnel, and representatives from BRAC and BRAC University.
In the opening session titled The Science of Finding a Way, BRAC Executive Director Asif Saleh stated, “Young people, regardless of their profession, can show the path of change without being confined by societal boundaries.”
He added, “One must pursue goals with confidence because once initiatives for change begin, they naturally attract partners and resources. Drawing from the journey of BRAC’s founder, the late Sir Fazle Hasan Abed, and BRAC’s ‘Solution Ecosystem’, where development programs and social initiatives work together, it is essential to set ambitious goals and commit to long-term change. Genuine transformation requires persistence, and sustainable progress demands integration of activism, policy, development, and its commercial aspects.”
Delivering the closing remarks, BRAC University Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Syed Farhat Anwar said, “True satisfaction lies in giving. When we identify our gaps and find creative solutions to address them, progress is possible. Responsibility towards oneself, society, and the nation often brings challenges. However, instead of comparing with others, one must discover their inner uniqueness and move forward. Contributing to others’ well-being enriches oneself.”
Also present were BRAC’s Senior Director of People, Culture, and Communications Moutusi Kabir and Director of Education, Skills Development, and Migration Programs Safi Rahman Khan. From BRAC University, Treasurer Ariful Islam, Registrar Dr. David Dowland, Director of the Learning and Teaching Innovation Centre Professor Dr. Md. Golam Samdani Fakir, Director of Communications Khairul Bashar, Operations Director Sajedul Karim, and Joint Director of Student Life Tahsina Rahman attended.
During the SparkTalk segment, visually impaired student Aiti Rai from Chila Union, Mongla, Bagerhat shared her life and struggle story. Mahinur Saif, Program Manager of BRAC’s Urban Development Program, also delivered remarks.
The BRAC University Debate Club organized a parliamentary-style debate competition, followed by a panel discussion titled Beyond One Way. Participants included The Daily Star Chief Business Officer Tajdin Hasan, CEO of Mammikids Nishat Anzum Polka, and Chairperson of Its Humanity Foundation Bashira Harun. The session The Way of Harmony featured music therapy performances by Armin Musa and his team. A session titled Design Quest: Solve for Society was conducted by Meka Team, a social start-up promoting play-based learning for children.
Exhibitions highlighted BRAC’s Climate Change Program (CCP), Urban Development Program (UDP), BRAC Institute of Educational Development (BIED), Integrated Development Program (IDP), Ultra Poor Graduation Program (UPGP), Social Empowerment and Legal Protection Program (SELPRO), and BRAC Limb and Brace Centre (BLBC). Initiatives like mental health support through Moner Jotno and BRAC International’s global activities were also presented.
In Always a Way – The Human Library, BRAC University alumni and members of BRAC Young Professional Program and Amra Notun Network shared their experiences and life stories. BRAC University Film Club organized screenings of national and international short films, while the Art and Photography Club’s graffiti wall allowed students to express their dreams and aspirations. The BRAC-U Express captured youth perspectives through video interviews, enabling participants to openly voice their opinions.
The event’s The Way booths provided opportunities for young people to connect with BRAC, reaffirming BRAC’s commitment to preparing the youth as the driving force of change to build an inclusive, tolerant, and creative innovation-driven Bangladesh.
