Facebook group Youth Policy Forum holds ‘Future of State’ conference

From a group of people actively participating in discussions on social media on topics ranging from social and policy-related issues, to turning it into a forum to bring about change, the Youth Policy Forum has indeed come quite far.

The feather in their cap came last week, when the Facebook group organised the "Future of our state" conference from February 7-8, bringing together students and professionals from all around Bangladesh.

During the two-day conference, organisers focused on reform policies and identifying challenges. Renowned economist Dr Akhtar Mahmood provided guidance and suggestions for the way forward.

Famed journalist, researcher and writer Afsan Chowdhury, along with renowned political scientist and writer Dr Rounak Jahan, talked about "The Foundation of Bangladesh as a State".

After that, students and young professionals teamed up and attended "Policy Labs", which focused on economics, health, education, infrastructure and environment, law and justice etc. Participants recognised the obstacles in the existing system and presented those before a panel.

The panel members included both professionals and student political party leaders

On the second day of the conference, eight "reformers" from different sectors presented their opinion and experience regarding their career and journey till now.

After that, the policy labs formulated their presentations regarding problems and solutions to different policy challenges.

They presented the solutions in front of a panel comprised of noted expert of International Relationship Professor Lailufar Yasmin from University of Dhaka, noted politician and teacher Bobby Hajjaj, veteran politician Khandaker Abdul Muktadir, honorable member of the parliament Ahsan Adelur Rahman and living legend Rehman Sobhan.

The audience and the guests expressed their hope regarding the matter that policy-making initiatives like the conference will not end here, but rather will lead the path for the young generations to get connected to mass people and reform policies in a way which will ensure equality and accessibility to everyone.