United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and Bangladesh Debate Federation (BDF) on Monday jointly launched the “Youth Against Corruption” campaign on the National Youth Day to transform the youth of Bangladesh as anti-graft advocates.

The “Youth Against Corruption” campaign places young people at its heart to promote anti-corruption awareness and advocacy. 

The objectives of this program are to sensitize young people regarding corruption, to empower them with the knowledge to combat corruption, and ultimately create a young generation with self-efficacy and attitude to stand against corruption in Bangladesh.

LGRD and Cooperative Minister Md. Tazul Islam was the chief guest at the virtual launching event. 

He said the government of Bangladesh has undertaken strict measures to reduce corruption. 

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"I believe that integrating the youth in this movement against corruption will make it much easier to realize the dream of a corruption-free Bangladesh. These young people will be the ones taking up important mantles in the future,” he said.

Dr. Abdun Noor Tushar, former secretary of BDF, said critically analyzing any issue and presenting it with logical arguments helps develop the thought process of the youth and broadens their horizons. 

"The purpose of organizing this debate competition is to imbue young people with the courage to take a bold stance against corruption and injustice,” he said.

“Corruption can undermine years of progress in sustainable development. We need accountable, transparent institutions and empowered and active citizens to ensure proper sustainable development that leaves no one behind ,” said Sudipto Mukerjee, Resident Representative, UNDP Bangladesh.

“We have seen the youth act as indomitable change makers before, and I am very excited to see them conquer this challenge as well,” said Sudipto.

The session was moderated by Abdullah Mohammad Shukrana, President, Bangladesh Debate Federation.

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The three-month-long campaign will include pledges against corruption, direct dialogues between young people and eight members of the parliament titled “Shombhabona Shonglap”, a mentorship program for 80 selected young people, eight divisional inter-university and eight divisional inter-college debate competitions, and national inter-university and inter-college debate competitions with the winners of the divisional rounds. 

Over 2200 participants from more than 150 educational institutions will participate in the 950 debates organized during this campaign.