Cox’s Bazar student Raed Md Rabiul Alam represented Bangladesh at a regional forum in Kathmandu, Nepal, on ending child, early, and forced marriage in South Asia, held from October 13 to 15.
He was the only participant from Bangladesh at the South Asia Regional Forum on Ending Child Marriage.
Raed is a member of Plan International Bangladesh’s Youth Advisory Panel and a first-year economics student at Cox’s Bazar City College, affiliated with the National University.
The forum discussed efforts to prevent child marriage, promote gender equality, protect children’s rights and expand educational opportunities for girls. Participants also examined the causes and consequences of child marriage, harmful social practices and the role of young people in preventing such marriages.
The discussions emphasised greater coordination and cooperation among policymakers, development organisations and young people to develop effective, long-term solutions.
Representatives from various international and regional organisations attended the forum. They included Shahia Alid, director of social affairs at the SAARC Secretariat; Mohammad Shihab Mahmud, assistant secretary of the SAARC wing at Bangladesh’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs; and Geeta Devi Pradhan, global head of gender equality and inclusion at Plan International.
Raed said representing Bangladesh at a South Asian regional forum in Nepal was a source of pride, particularly as the only young participant from Cox’s Bazar.
He said sharing a platform with an assistant secretary from the foreign ministry’s SAARC wing and exchanging views with representatives of international organizations enriched his experience.
He added that appreciation for his work and participation from representatives of the United Nations Population Fund, Terre des Hommes and Plan International Nepal had also encouraged him
Raed said learning from young people from different South Asian countries had given him new ideas on preventing child marriage and protecting children’s rights.
The experience had boosted his confidence and shown that young people from places such as Cox’s Bazar could also play an important role at the regional level, he said.
He plans to use the knowledge and experience he gained at the forum to raise awareness about preventing child marriage and children’s rights in Cox’s Bazar.
Cox’s Bazar Life Report
Photo: Courtesy
