The Freedom Fellows, a Flagship Program by Preneur Lab Youth and Innovation Trust has established itself as a cornerstone for cultivating youth leadership in Bangladesh. Now in its 8th edition, the program continues to empower young changemakers with the tools, mentorship, and networks they need to address critical societal challenges. Building on the success of the previous seven cohorts, the 2024 program brings a sharpened focus on civic engagement, policy reform, and economic empowerment.
The 8th cohort featured a series of three virtual bootcamps, each addressing key topics shaping Bangladesh’s development journey.
In November 2024, the first bootcamp centered on youth activism and disaster response. Five alumni of the Freedom Fellows program shared their experiences and introduced their “Reform Bangladesh” theory, which emphasized the role of youth in driving public policy, governance, and civic leadership to rebuild the nation. This session underscored the need to engage and empower young people to sustain the momentum of recent movements and create lasting impact.
December 2024 saw the second bootcamp shift focus to governance reform and economic empowerment, bringing together 60 participants from diverse communities and various universities.
The session began with an introduction and welcome speech by Arif Nezami, CEO & Co-Founder of Preneur Lab, setting the stage for an engaging discussion on policy and economic reform. Participants benefited from insightful sessions led by Saimon Reza Talukder, Assistant Attorney General and Faculty at BRAC University, who spoke about improving access to justice and strengthening governance structures. Julian Weber, CEO of Selise Digital Platforms, discussed the importance of private sector innovation in empowering youth and fostering economic growth.
These sessions encouraged participants to think critically about governance and entrepreneurship as catalysts for progress.
The final bootcamp in December delved into media governance and human rights advocacy. Rabiul Alam, an independent journalist and human rights advocate, led discussions on leveraging media as a tool for transparency and accountability. The session also explored strategies for safeguarding human rights amidst an evolving socio-political landscape, providing participants with actionable insights for advocacy and reform.
The Freedom Fellows Program remains committed to its mission of empowering youth to drive meaningful change. By providing a platform for learning, collaboration, and innovation, the program is shaping a new generation of leaders who are equipped to tackle the challenges of today and tomorrow. With each cohort, the Freedom Fellows initiative strengthens its impact, fostering a brighter and more resilient future for Bangladesh.
