Sharing is Caring

At present, the unemployment rate in Bangladesh is about 5.3%. While not as high as some countries, the global pandemic has exacerbated anxieties around economic stability, particularly among youth. Beyond just economic concerns, the uncertain times youth face today has created ideal conditions for extremist groups.

Five fellows from the EU-funded ALLY program – Fariha Jannat, Zakia Sultana, Akramul Haque, Rukaya Meem, and Zannatul Ferdous – are building a network with the youth of the Rajshahi region so they will not choose a path of violent extremism.

“One of us [ALLY fellows] witnessed their friend become vulnerable and eventually an extremist towards society. So, in feeling a need to help him and people like him, we tried to establish a platform through which the youths could share about their job solutions in their upcoming lives and would step back from vulnerability and radicalization.” – Fariha Jannat

Their Social Action Plan, entitled “Sharing is Caring,” is an opportunity for youth who wish to act as local peacebuilders to gain professional soft skills such as communication, time management, adaptability, and risk management.

The fellows are focusing on the city of Rajshahi is situated within the Barind Tract, 23m (75ft) above sea level, located on the alluvial plains of the Padma River, which runs through the southern side of the city. Rajshahi is well known as an education hub in Bangladesh, but violent extremism has been on the rise there, as exemplified by a university professor who was killed by extremists in 2016 due to accusations of atheism.

The fellows began their project with online training in January, entitled “Training on Engaging Youth People for Building Peace” in early January 2022. The 16 youth participants (9 female) then established a peace club through which they are spreading the message against PVE and vulnerability. Next, the fellows implemented an advocacy meeting with local government officials, giving youth a platform to raise their concerns directly with local authorities. Lastly, they arranged a community radio show to council the concerns directly with local authorities. Lastly, they arranged a community radio show to council the frustrated unemployed youths and what actually civil service providers is doing regarding this issue.

“We also discussed what different religions have to say about violent extremism, how this is not the way forward, rather one moderation and understanding should be encouraged. This, combined with practical advice on how to advance in the job market, we hope will bring more youth a positive perception of their own futures.” – Akramul Haque

For more information about this SAP and to listen to their radio program, please visit the local radio station Facebook’s page.