Young people reimagining Bangladesh with compassion & courage

20 November 2024

It’s early August. The streets feel electric. People stop and stare, drawn to the once-shabby walls of their cities, now alive with powerful works of art. In the distance, they also hear the steady sweep of brooms making the streets appear fresher and inviting.  Across Bangladesh, young people themselves were at the forefront of these transformative changes. 

Inspired by the powerful unity of young people working to create the change they envision, UNICEF in Bangladesh reached out to amplify their voices, curating and sharing their impactful stories.

Below are glimpses of their spectacular impact. Their relentless contribution to bringing childhood back on track.

Hope is where the Heart is

Amid the hustle and bustle of Dhanmondi 27, Saida Nuzhat and her friends bring a faded wall to life, brushing it with colors that echo unity and hope. 

It’s inspiring to witness the youth uniting to bring about the change they want to see. Because while hope may be a beautiful thing, it becomes truly powerful when young people take action, pouring their hearts into the causes that matter most to them. 

“To add to the beauty of our nation and as a tribute to the students, we revitalized a wall at Dhanmondi 27. What inspired us was the collective spirit of our people. Together, we hope to build a more inclusive and welcoming Bangladesh for all,” said Saida Nuzhat who not only hopes for a better, more promising future but also actively working to make it happen.

Shaping a sustainable tomorrow, one sweep at a time

“I picture a sustainable Bangladesh,” says Shakib Abir, 20, who, along with his friends, took the lead in cleaning up the streets.

They believe that a sustainable future begins with meaningful actions today – and they're not just talking about it; they're turning their words into reality, one sweep at a time.                                                                
 

For All the Claws & Paws!

Sakura Takahashi makes sure everyone, even the voiceless, feels included. 

She reimagines a Bangladesh rooted in compassion and generosity. In the capital, she’s acting on these values by feeding and treating stray animals.

When asked about her dedication, Sakura said, “I believe, as the saying goes, what you do has far greater impact than what you say. If we want to see true reform, it must begin with us.” 

The Guardians of Justice

These artworks are the result of a powerful teamwork by the Notre Dame Art Club, where every stroke and shade tell a deeper story. Woven into their creations are rich metaphors, evocative symbols, and echoes of history, each element carefully chosen to speak volumes. 

Beginning with the one above, this striking piece depicts Publius Horatius Cocles - the lone warrior who stood unwavering to protect his city from an advancing army. His steadfast courage finds a modern parallel in the students of Bangladesh today. Much like Horatius, they embody resilience and unity, standing firm in their fight for justice and equality. 

Inspired by the timeless words of Sukanta Bhattacharya, this artwork is a tribute to the courage and unwavering resolve of 18-year-olds. 

It captures the essence of youth. These young changemakers, bold and driven by an innate sense of justice, are always the first to rise in the face of discord, stepping in where others falter. 

One Choice, One Chance

In the quiet embrace of his village in Sherpur, Sadman Ishraq reimagined a different Bangladesh. A greener, more vibrant nation full of life and promises.

His reimagination started with a simple act: planting trees. At first glance, his efforts may seem small, even insignificant. However, each tree, each seed, holds the power to transform not just his village, but an entire nation. Even perhaps, the world?

Sadman’s work reminds us that we have but one chance to get this right. So, let’s take it. Let’s make that one right choice!

A Promise to Our Heritage

Art, culture, and poetry. These threads have long stitched together the graceful soul of Bangladesh. To let them fade would be to untangle the essence of who we are. 

Zaara Ariana Sarker, 19, lovingly restored the walls of Dhaka and painted a tribute to our heritage. Her work celebrated the richness of our art and culture, each stroke a poetic reminder of the traditions that humble us. Through her work, she reminded us of the beauty we carry and the stories we must never, ever forget.

Her artwork above shows an artistic depiction of a traditional Bangladeshi meal. The centerpiece is a basket-style platter containing a plate of white rice, adorned with a piece of Hilsa fish on top, surrounded by sides such as vegetables, lentils, and condiments, painted in vivid colors. 

And when asked about the Bangladesh she reimagines, she responded with both hope and resolution: “A Bangladesh, where we are free to write, to paint, to speak, without fear."

Together for Truth
 

On July 30th, as the air grew suffocating with unrest, Rubaet Ferdous Ronil, 19, a student at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), University of Dhaka, took to the streets with a resolve that defied fear.

Every breath was heavy, every step dangerous, but Ronil’s determination to stand for what was right carried him forward. His courage led to his arrest, but his actions echoed far beyond the confines of that moment.

The students of IBA honored his bravery in a way that brought the story to life. They recreated the moment of his arrest, capturing the raw defiance and unyielding spirit of their friend. Through their art, they not only paid tribute to Ronil but also reminded everyone of the power of standing together in the face of adversity.