Youth leadership and policy advocacy took center stage at the Freedom Fellows Cohort 8 Bootcamp, a transformative initiative co-organized by Preneur Lab and the Atlantic Council. Held on February 22, 2025, at Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, the in-person bootcamp brought together passionate young changemakers from across Bangladesh to engage in interactive learning, community-driven discussions, and digital advocacy.
Since its inception in 2021, the Freedom Fellows program has successfully graduated over 300 fellows across seven cohorts, fostering a generation of youth leaders committed to economic and political freedom. Cohort 8 continues this legacy by equipping participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to drive positive change in governance, policy, and civic engagement.
The bootcamp served as a culminating event for the ongoing Fellowship program, providing participants with the opportunity to connect, collaborate, and refine their policy recommendations in an engaging in-person setting. Through a series of expert-led sessions, discussions, and hands-on activities, the fellows explored various dimensions of governance, youth participation, and the role of digital advocacy in shaping public policy.
The bootcamp opened with an interactive session led by M Ashraful Tanvir, Head of Operations and Admin at Preneur Lab Youth & Innovation Trust. This dynamic icebreaker encouraged fellows to engage in networking, team-building, and leadership exercises that set the stage for meaningful collaboration throughout the day.
A key highlight of the event was the governance and policy reform discussion led by Omar Mostafiz, a Youth Policy Specialist and former Programme Manager at FNF Bangladesh. His session emphasized the crucial role young leaders can play in shaping sustainable policies for Bangladesh’s future. He provided valuable insights on policy development, strategic decision-making, and the importance of civic engagement in governance.
Building on this theme, Md Zahid Hossain Khan, a Data Journalist and Project Researcher at Voices of Bangladesh, delved into the topic of youth participation in governance. His thought-provoking session highlighted the significance of active civic involvement, transparency, and the power of collective action. He encouraged attendees to step forward as agents of change, ensuring that their voices and ideas contribute to shaping national policies.
Bringing a creative perspective to policy advocacy, Alamin Pranto, Director at Start2Scaleup, led an inspiring session on leveraging digital media for impactful storytelling. He showcased how visual and narrative-driven content can influence public opinion, engage wider audiences, and drive meaningful policy reforms. His session underscored the power of digital tools in amplifying youth-led initiatives and fostering informed civic discussions.
Beyond expert-led discussions, the bootcamp was highly interactive, ensuring that participants were not just passive listeners but active contributors to policy discussions. Fellows engaged in group activities, strategic discussions, and brainstorming sessions, where they collaboratively worked on refining their policy proposals. The atmosphere was filled with enthusiasm, debate, and a shared vision for positive change.
The bootcamp also provided a platform for young leaders to present their policy recommendations, sparking constructive debates and insightful feedback from peers and mentors. This collaborative exchange of ideas allowed participants to sharpen their arguments and develop actionable advocacy strategies that they could take forward beyond the program.
The Freedom Fellows program remains committed to nurturing the next generation of changemakers by providing them with the necessary skills, resources, and networks to drive meaningful policy reforms and civic leadership. As this cohort moves forward, their contributions will continue to shape the landscape of governance, policy, and social impact in Bangladesh.
With a growing emphasis on youth empowerment, digital advocacy, and policy awareness, the Freedom Fellows initiative stands as a beacon for aspiring leaders eager to transform their communities and advocate for a more inclusive and democratic society.
