On Wednesday, September 11, a “Youth and Civic Dialogue for Urban Development” was held through the combined efforts of SERAC-Bangladesh, Bangladesh Urban Youth Council Network, and Khulna City Corporation.
The dialogue emphasized strengthening collaboration between local youth organizations, social and cultural groups, student movements, and volunteer organizations with the development activities of Khulna City Corporation. In this context, participants unanimously agreed on the establishment of an Urban Youth Council in Khulna, similar to other cities, to ensure the active participation of the youth in urban governance and planning.
Key issues discussed included the city’s main challenges such as housing, education, sanitation, infrastructure, employment, environment, sports, public safety, development of marginalized communities, and the state of good governance.
A significant portion of the participants focused on how the inspiration and experience from the recent student revolution could strengthen urban reforms and youth leadership in Khulna. They stressed that enhancing cooperation between the youth and the City Corporation is crucial to making Khulna a more inclusive, sustainable, and equitable city.
Representatives from various local organizations participated in the event, including the Red Crescent, Youth Nexus, TIB, WBB Trust, Come for Road Child, JJS Khulna, Right Sight Education, Towards Sustainability, RDRC, VBD, With She, Youth Policy Forum, Prothom Alo Bondhu shova, and SIAM. These representatives engaged in constructive discussions about the inclusion of youth leadership in urban development.
The Divisional Commissioner and Administrator of Khulna, Mr. Md. Helal Mahmud Sharif, was the chief guest. In his speech, he highlighted the importance of youth participation in urban planning. He stated that the future of the city is in the hands of the youth, and the establishment of an Urban Youth Council in Khulna would facilitate the inclusion of youth opinions at the policy-making level. He called on local authorities to actively involve young people in sustainable urban development.
The event, moderated by SERAC-Bangladesh’s Executive Director S M Shaikat, also featured speeches from City Corporation’s Chief Executive Officer Lasker Tazul Islam, Secretary Sanjida Begum, Chief Urban Planner Abirul Jabbar, Regional Information Officer Javed Iqbal, and SIAM’s Executive Director Advocate Masum Billah, among others.
Representatives from various organizations shared their views on urban planning, youth leadership, and community involvement. The dialogue created an open platform for exchange between the youth and urban authorities, which the speakers hope will further reinforce the need for youth participation in building a sustainable, inclusive, and progressive Khulna.
