On 29 April 2026, a high-level advocacy and planning meeting was held at the City Corporation’s conference room, organized by the Narayanganj Urban Youth Council with the support of SERAC-Bangladesh. The meeting brought together youth leaders and city officials to strengthen collaboration, review ongoing initiatives, and develop a coordinated roadmap for future urban development activities.

Since its formation, the Narayanganj Urban Youth Council has been actively working to support community wellbeing and sustainable urban growth. Through volunteer-driven initiatives, the council has organized traffic awareness campaigns, city cleanliness drives, tree plantation programs, climate change awareness activities, measles-rubella vaccination campaigns, nutrition support for pregnant women, mosquito control and dengue prevention efforts, youth skills development training, and community discussions addressing social challenges. By maintaining close coordination with local authorities, the Youth Council continues to identify civic issues and propose practical, community-based solutions.

The meeting was attended by the Administrator of Narayanganj City Corporation, Adv. Md. Sakhawat Hossain Khan, as the Chief Guest. Special guests included Md. Nur Kutubul Alam, Acting Chief Executive Officer of Narayanganj City Corporation, and Sheikh Mostafa Ali, Medical Officer of the City Corporation. The session included presentations on the Youth Council’s election process, achievements, ongoing activities, and future plans by Lutfa Pathan, Project Manager, SERAC-Bangladesh. Representatives shared their experiences and outlined recommendations to strengthen youth participation in city governance.

In his address, the Administrator praised the Youth Council as a timely and positive initiative that brings young people into the heart of urban development. He emphasized the need for youth involvement in public health awareness, auto-rickshaw licensing initiatives, canal excavation projects, drainage system improvements to reduce waterlogging, dengue and chikungunya prevention campaigns, and anti-drug awareness programs. Demonstrating strong institutional support, he approved the Youth Council’s request to hold regular monthly meetings at City corporation meeting room.

The Executive Director of SERAC-Bangladesh highlighted that the Urban Youth Council model has gained national and international recognition. The initiative has been appreciated and awarded on global platforms such as UN-Habitat and the World Urban Forum, showcasing its potential as a successful model for youth engagement in urban governance.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment from all participants to continue strengthening youth participation and collaboration with local authorities. The collective vision is clear: to build a sustainable, inclusive, and participatory Narayanganj where young people play an active role in shaping the city’s future.

Youth Council representatives also actively participated in the discussion, including Rakibul Islam Ifty, Saidul Islam, Nasima Sardar Nijhum, Md. Sani Sarkar, Sirajum Monira Jhuma, Biraj Pal Chowdhury, Mehrab Hossain Opu, Jiasmin Akter Riva, Hamidul Islam Joy, Ariful Islam Jhimi, and Tafri Akter Moni, along with ward-level secretaries and representatives from various youth organizations.

From SERAC-Bangladesh, key participants were Md. Salim Miah, Deputy Director (Program); and Md. Kamran Mia, Network Officer.