Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), the pioneer in leadership education, orchestrated a 7.5km run at Hatirjheel in collaboration with the Ministry of Youth and Sport to spotlight the critical issue of air pollution and advocate for a greener city.
In partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sport and backed by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the BYLC Running with Purpose 2024 event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of approximately 1000 runners from diverse backgrounds on a vibrant Saturday.
This event aimed to underscore the significance of clean air and the imperative to cultivate a greener urban environment. Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals 3 (good health and wellbeing) and 11 (Green City), the run emphasized the urgency of combatting air pollution and its detrimental effects by promoting green surroundings.
MA Akher, director (Planning) of the Department of Youth Development, expressed gratitude to BYLC for initiating transformative change through this impactful run, steering the nation’s youth towards a purpose-driven trajectory.
Acknowledging the deteriorating air quality in Dhaka, Ejaj Ahmad, the founder and executive chairperson of BYLC, stressed the vital importance of access to fresh air as a basic necessity and a fundamental human right. He called upon citizens to actively contribute to creating a greener city while urging accountability from elected officials for improving Dhaka’s air quality.
Md Khorshed Alam, technical judge from the Bangladesh Athletics Federation, commended BYLC’s initiative in enhancing the quality of life in Bangladesh.
The award ceremony of BYLC Running with Purpose 2024 featured Tahsinah Ahmed, executive director of BYLC, expressing gratitude and concluding the program on a positive note.
Praava Health, a leading healthcare provider in Bangladesh, served as the health partner, while the renowned food chain Unimart was the food partner. Elite Force played the role of the security partner, with support from Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Hatirjheel Thana, and other collaborators.
BYLC’s commitment to building connections among youth, providing leadership skills, and enabling impactful contributions in various sectors remains evident as they continue to shape the leaders of tomorrow. Having trained over 7,000 young individuals in leadership and 3,700 in professional skill development over the past fifteen years, BYLC remains a driving force in youth development.
