Youth from across Cox’s Bazar presented practical, community-driven solutions to local challenges at the “Innovation Challenge 2025,” where five projects were shortlisted from nearly 500 submissions.
The final pitching and award ceremony, held Monday at a local hotel under the theme “My Cox’s Bazar, My Initiative”, was organised as part of the Improving Skills and Economic Opportunities for Women and Youth in Cox’s Bazar (ISEC) Project.
Swapno Chowa Delights won the first prize for their project of making pickles with dried fish to reduce seasonal unemployment. Shomudro Ogrojatri and Doria secured second and third place respectively. Other shortlisted projects included Elevating Cox’s Bazar and Shohojatra, which addressed issues ranging from women’s economic hardship and struggles of fishing communities to improved tourism experiences and sustainable farming.
Speaking at the event, BRAC Senior Director KAM Morshed said talent exists everywhere but opportunities differ, describing the initiative as a valuable platform for Bangladeshi youth to move forward.
BRAC Director Safi Rahman Khan noted that while young people generate many entrepreneurial ideas, they often face barriers such as limited financial resources and lack of mentorship.
In his closing remarks, BRAC Director Hossain Ishrath Adib stressed the need to connect young innovators with future technical and financial opportunities.
UNDP Bangladesh’s International Project Manager Maha Abu Emier said local challenges are best addressed through local solutions, while Cox’s Bazar Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Abu Murshed Chowdhury emphasised collective responsibility in preparing youth for the future.
Ruchika Bahl, Head of the ILO Bangladesh Cox’s Bazar Project Office, underscored that entrepreneurship should be seen as a tool for societal change, not only personal growth.
Khandaker Fokhrul Alam, Project Lead of ISEC at BRAC, shared the journey of the initiative, while Rezaul Karim, Associate Director and Office-in-Charge of BRAC’s Humanitarian Crisis Management Programme, was also present.
A panel discussion, moderated by Morshed, featured insights from development practitioners, academics and business leaders.
The winners were selected by a jury panel that included Nixon Chandra Pal of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Muhammad Salahuddin Khan of UNDP, Sara Afreen of BRAC Communications, Abu Murshed Chowdhury, and Sheuly Sharma of Jago Nari Limited.
The ISEC project is a joint initiative of the Department of Youth Development (DYD), BRAC, ILO and UNDP, supported by Global Affairs Canada, aimed at empowering youth, women and vulnerable groups through skills and entrepreneurship training to improve livelihoods and foster sustainable economic opportunities.