Empowering young people, addressing social challenges, and building a brighter future for the nation- developing student leadership programs in Bangladesh is crucial
Introduction:
The young populations of a nation are a valuable resource for the community. This statement is true for every nation worldwide and Bangladesh is no different. As the youths are responsible for bringing positive social transformations, therefore, it is crucial to take necessary actions to protect as well as prevent them from stumbling into the traps of violent radicalism. The aim of the program is to motivate our students and police force to learn how they can collaborate and help each other to create a peaceful society.
The Chattogram Student & Police Engagement - Student Leadership Development Workshops program, supported by the Information Support Team (IST) of the U.S. Embassy and implemented by Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP), is a comprehensive, youth-focused program to help the youths realize their potential, strength, responsibilities towards the community as well as the country to bring a positive change in the society by eliminating violent extremism and terrorism from the community. As a leading strategic communication organization with an international reputation and extensive technical expertise and experience in social communication, BCCP has been awarded with the responsibilities for the selected young students of Chattogram district. Like previous years, BCCP once again successfully implemented the program engaging both police members and young students with the relevant stakeholders.
Program Overview:
“Chattogram Student & Police Engagement – Student Leadership Development Workshops” program aims to shape up the perceptions of the students and their institutions regarding violent extremism and radicalization, so that they can function as key role-players in combating radicalization process effectively. The key activities were made easier to accomplish by bringing both the police and the students under the same roof. The workshops had given them a platform to discuss the alarming issues of the society that are keeping it unstable. As both the police members and the student attended the workshops as participants, it encouraged them to contribute actively throughout the program as equal. They could share their thoughts on the burning issues of the society and identify the best possible solutions to those issues.
BCCP hosted a total of 15 theme-based workshops with the selected students from three universities/colleges chosen – Chittagong College (CC), Premier University (PU), and University of Chittagong (CU). Fifty qualified candidates were chosen from each of the universities/colleges using a mixed-method approach. Chittagong Metropolitan Police (CMP) nominated 25 police officers to attend the workshops as participants along with the students. Additional measures were taken as necessary to make the workshops session engaging, which includes – conducting sessions 
by knowledgeable and skilled facilitators, ensuring 100% attendance, and giving assignments that involves both students and the police to work together. The assignment activities were carried out in campus or in the community as a competition to be selected as "Community Role Model Group."
The workshops were organized between the months of March to June of 2023 for a total of 150 students and 25 police members. Following themes were reflected to the participants through the workshop programs:
1. Role of youth in community development and peacebuilding & leadership programs
2. Patriotism and vision for Bangladesh
3. Bringing change through non-violent means
4. Religious tolerance and inter-faith dialogue
5. Radicalization and counter radicalization
6. Communication on anti-radicalization messages of peace, tolerance, and innovation (public speaking and emphasis on freedom of expression)
7. Policing in Bangladesh and reporting of crime related to violent extremism.
8. Develop community resiliency and involvement in community service.
Program Outcomes:
Through these workshops, BCCP successfully enabled the students to realize their potential, capacity and responsibility towards the society by strengthening their communication and leadership skills, so that they get involved actively in bringing a positive change in the society. The workshops also helped in building a friendly relationship between the students and the police, so that they know each other better, learn about their contribution for the society and feel motivated to work together to make a peaceful community. The followings are some of their learnings/achievements from the workshops program:
· The workshops helped nurture a positive relationship between the students and the police and made them realize that they too can work together for the wellbeing of the citizens as well as the country.
· Both the participants had a better understanding about each other, their involvement, the importance of their work as well as limitations. The workshops also helped the police members understand the psychology of the youths and their expectations from the law enforcers.
· Participants gained skills in leadership, overcoming fears, life-skills application, problem-solving mindset, teamwork, public speaking methods, decision-making and most importantly, the confidence that they can.
· Participants realized the importance of having an open mind, inter-faith dialogue sharing, tolerance, accepting different opinions, community resilience as well as the dangers of radicalization and extreme violence.
· The program created a network for the participants to exchange ideas and opinions with each other as well as police members.
· A knowledge management database has been developed to sustain the relationship that was built between the students and the police participants.
Apart from the workshops program, several Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) were conducted before and after the completion of workshops to identify the changes in the students’ perceptions and what they intend to do with their newfound knowledge.
A seminar with the theme "United for a Better Future" was held at Chattogram with the selected students and police participants. Renowned guests and other relevant stakeholders were also present at the seminar, where they shared their valuable thoughts on what the youths could do for making the society a better place. The objective of the seminar was to foster inspirations and commitments generated through the specific theme-based workshops and share further guidance and support, as necessary. At the end of the seminar, the students and the police participants were awarded with “Community Role Model” badges.