Entertainment Desk

Plan International Bangladesh and JAAGO Foundation Trust officially launched the “Shomotay Tarunno: Youth for Equality” project at a Dhaka hotel on Monday.

The Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands (EKN) is funding this four-year initiative, which will operate in all eight divisions of Bangladesh until November 2027.

The project was launched with the aim of preventing gender-based violence, dismantling harmful gender stereotypes, and empowering youth and youth-led organisations at both national and local levels.

Press Institute Bangladesh's (PIB) Director General, Faruk Wasif, attended the event as the Chief Guest, while Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, presided over the ceremony.

During the launch, PIB and Plan International Bangladesh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to produce materials and train journalists to promote gender-sensitive journalism in the country.

The Netherlands ambassador to Bangladesh, Andre Carstens; Associate Professor of Mass Communication and Journalism at Dhaka University, Dr Md Khorshed Alam; and Bangladeshi writer and journalist Palash Mahbub participated as special guests.

Nishath Sultana, director of Influencing, Campaign, and Communications at Plan Bangladesh, delivered the welcome speech. Neelima Yasmeen, Deputy Director of Programme at Plan International Bangladesh, conducted a youth session, and JAAGO Foundation Trust’s Chairman, Korvi Rakshand, was also present.

PIB DG aruk Wasif highlighted the critical role of district and upazila-level journalists in ensuring credible news. He emphasised the importance of empowering journalists to provide factual reporting and praised the government’s commitment to supporting free and independent journalism.

Presiding over the event, Kabita Bose said, “Discrimination against girls starts in the womb and persists throughout their lives. Our work focuses on fostering equality among all genders and diversities in society.”

Andre Carstens noted the significant contributions of youth in driving positive change, stating, “By engaging in community service, innovation, leadership, and decision-making, Bangladeshi youth are already making an impact. Shomotay Tarunno will involve youths, Youth-Led Organisations (YLOs), the National Youth Council (NYC), media professionals, local content creators, social media influencers, academicians, and policymakers over the next four years.”

Speakers, including Dr Md Khorshed Alam, Palash Mahbub, and Korvi Rakshand, shared their insights, expressing optimism for the project’s long-term success.

Representatives from the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, National Youth Council, youth-led organisations, media professionals, and students from various universities attended the event.

The project plans to engage 13,515 direct participants, including youth, National Youth Council members, local content creators, social media influencers, media professionals, educators, and government officials.