Discussion Meeting with Local Government Authorities to Build Youth Capacity Held in Gaibandha

A discussion meeting was held in Gaibandha to strengthen young people's capacity to address gender-based discrimination, digital safety, media literacy, and advocacy for public interest.

A capacity-building discussion meeting with local government authorities was held on Tuesday, 27 October 2026, at 10:00 AM at Deshi Bhoj Restaurant on Circular Road in Gaibandha town. The meeting was organized by Srijonshil Gaibandha Foundation under the Shomotay Tarunno Project. The project is being implemented with the support of Plan International Bangladesh and JAAGO Foundation, with support from the Government of the Netherlands.

Local government officials, educationists, advisers of the organization, youth representatives, teachers, and journalists participated in the meeting. The main topics of discussion included gender stereotypes, digital safety, media literacy, and advocacy initiatives in the public interest.

Among those present were Professor Khalilur Rahman, Adviser to Srijonshil Gaibandha Foundation and former Principal of Gaibandha Government College; Afroza Begum Lupu and ABM Zillur Rahman, Advisers to the organization; Md. Nasir Uddin Shah, Upazila Social Services Officer of Gaibandha Sadar; and Md. Sujon Mia, Upazila Youth Development Officer of Gaibandha Sadar.

Also present were Md. Mehedi Hasan, Founder and President of Srijonshil Gaibandha Foundation; Athhar Mihda Tuba, Project Officer; Ranjon Debnath, Accounts Officer; SM Biplob, journalist at Somoy Television; and Rikt Prosad, journalist at DBC News. Local teachers and other distinguished guests were also present at the event.

The discussion emphasized eliminating gender-based discrimination and social stereotypes, ensuring equal rights for women and men, protecting personal information online, preventing cyber harassment, and identifying misinformation circulating on social media. The meeting also addressed the importance of responsible media use, information verification, and promoting safe behaviour in the digital space among young people.

The participants highlighted the need to strengthen youth leadership, encourage young people's participation in local decision-making processes, and improve effective communication and coordination between local government authorities and youth-led organizations. They observed that giving due importance to young people's opinions and experiences in planning and decision-making can help address various local social challenges and bring about positive change.

The discussion also underscored the importance of increasing young people's social responsibility, promoting human rights, building a gender-equal society, and encouraging their active participation in public awareness initiatives. It was expressed that such initiatives would contribute to stronger collaboration among government institutions, media organizations, educational institutions, and youth organizations.

Through the Shomotay Tarunno Project, initiatives are being undertaken to increase young people's awareness of gender equality, digital safety, media literacy, and social change, while strengthening their capacity to participate meaningfully in local-level development and undertake effective advocacy initiatives in the public interest.

Srijonshil Gaibandha Foundation is a youth-led, nonprofit, and voluntary organization. The organization works to build an inclusive and sustainable society through education, youth development, climate action, social innovation, and community capacity building.

The organizers expressed their hope that collective efforts by local government authorities, development partners, media organizations, and young people would further strengthen youth participation in local development initiatives, reduce social discrimination, and promote digital safety.