Joy Bangla Youth Award 2021: Young Bangla honors young changemakers and nation-builders working quietly

CRI’s youth platform Young Bangla conferred Joy Bangla Youth Award 2021 to 15 youth-led organizations for their outstanding contributions to society and the country on 20 December 2021 at the Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Youth Development, Savar. This is the fifth edition of the prestigious award after the previous four editions of 2015, 2017, 2018 and 2020. The award also marks Bangladesh’s 50 years of independence and Mujib’s birth centenary.

Joy Bangla Youth Award is a flagship program of Young Bangla, recognizes young changemakers from different parts of the country who are working for their communities and the nation as a whole. This year, Young Bangla brought a new addition – “Pathfinder of 50” award – themed on the 50th anniversary of the country’s independence.

The grand event took place on the ground of Sheikh Hasina National Institute of Youth Development in Savar, amid strict safety measures against the Covid19. The award-giving ceremony, anchored by renowned actor Chancal Chowdhury, began at 3:00 pm. The program started with the national anthem of Bangladesh. After that, the convener of Young Bangla, Nahim Razzaq MP, delivered the inaugural speech. Radwan Mujib Siddiq, trustee of CRI, handed out the crests to the 15 winning organizations.

“Keep working the way you are doing now. And what we’ll have to do is not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk.” – Radwan Mujib Siddiq, Trustee, CRI

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, virtually addressing the ceremony in a pre-recorded message.

“We are all proud of the fact that the young people have been engaged in the welfare of human society even in the midst of a global pandemic.” – HPM Sheikh Hasina, Government of the People’s republic of Bangladesh

Sajeeb Wazed, the ICT adviser to the PM and Chairperson of CRI, virtually addressed the event in a pre-recorded message.

“We’re building the Golden Bengal with our efforts and talents. We’re not dependent on anyone. I’m proud that Bangladesh has such an initiative as Young Bangla, and enterprising youths who are working for the country.” – Sajeeb Wazed, The ICT adviser to the PM and Chairperson of CRI

The Winners

This year Young Bangla received entries from a total of 750 youth-led organizations, out of which 31 were primarily nominated. Among them, 15 finally received the award under five categories – climate and innovation; social inclusion; culture and communication; community wellness; and skill and employment.

Joy Bangla Youth Award 2021 winning organizations are: The winning organisations are: Dhrubotara Youth Development Foundation (DYDF), Tech Academy, Asmani Jubo Nari Foundation, Amal Foundation, Third EYE, EcoVation Bangladesh, Bangladesher Dushprappo Chobi Somogro, Steps Ahead, Moner School, TransEnd, Reflective Teens, GenLab, Diner Alo Hijra Unnoyon Mohila Songstha, Bangladesh Tea Community Student Youth Council, and Medhabi Kallyan Sangstha (MKS). Each of the award-winner organizations received crest, certificate and a laptop.

Pathfinder of 50

This year, Young Bangla introduced “Pathfinder of 50”, a special recognition to individuals/initiatives who have made significant contributions to the post-independence nation-building process through their leadership, service, initiatives, and research.

Mangal Shobhajatra was recognized as a secular and cultural initiative to revive the Liberation War spirit that led to the birth of Bangladesh. Professor Nisar Hossain received the award from Radwan Mujib Siddiq.

Another recipient of the Pathfinder of 50 was Anjuman Mufidul Islam – a welfare organization dedicated to orphan and distressed people. Harun ur Rashid Khan, the joint director of Anjuman Mufidul Islam received the award.

The award was also conferred to Rubaiyat Mansur and Elisabeth Fahrni who played a crucial role in making three sanctuaries for freshwater dolphins in the Sundarbans. They also took part in establishing the Swatch-of-No-Ground submarine canyon and adjacent coastal areas as the country’s first marine protected area.

The Process

During the two-month long process of JBYA 2021, Young Bangla received around 750 applications by youth-led organizations from different parts of the nation. A jury board consisting of 12 eminent personalities picked the top 15 winners in 5 categories on the basis of their quality of work, potential to impact the society and nation.

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