BYLC RUNNING with PURPOSE 2023

 After a break for a few years due to the pandemic, we’re back this year in Hatirjheel with BYLC Running with Purpose 2023!

BYLC strongly believes that good health is key to achieving high performance in any field. Therefore, in addition to teaching leadership to youth and to preparing them for thriving careers in diverse sectors, we’re also committed to promoting values of healthy living and fitness. And with that goal in mind, we’ve been organizing the BYLC Run since 2018.

We recognize, however, that physical exercise will do little to improve our health if we don’t breathe clean air. The quality of air in Dhaka has deteriorated sharply in recent years. We believe that both citizens and the government have a role to play in making progress on this challenge. This year’s 7.5K BYLC Running with Purpose will focus on Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which underscores the importance for the provision of space towards inclusive and sustainable urbanization. We’ve chosen ‘for a breathable city’ as our theme this year to draw attention to this issue and to invite everyone to be a part of the solution.

 Pleasure to work for the RUNNING with PURPOSE; for a breathable city.
Md. Shahriar Kamal (Niloy)
Executive, Procurement/Supply Chain Management
Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC)

The 'Founders Showcase' sessions featured presentations on topics including 'Bangladesh Rising: Startups in the 2020s' and 'Spotlight on SouthAsiaTech’s India Startups,' featuring the contributions of both Bangladeshi and Indian founders under the South Asia Tech umbrella. Asikul Alam Khan of PriyoShop, Alamgir Alvi from Goods in Motion (GiM), Shah Sufian from Shuttle , Naman Dayal from Redbasil, and Madhav Kasturia from Zippee participated in these sessions, led by Ahmed Yusuf, Lead Advisory at Bangladesh Angels and Rajesh Radhakrishnan, Managing Partner at South Asia Tech respectively. The founders provided valuable insights into the visions and potential of these startups. Moderated by industry experts, these sessions showcased groundbreaking initiatives driving the startup landscape in

South Asia.

A panel discussion on 'Navigating the Challenges of Growth & Capital Needs' led by LightCastle Partners CEO Bijon Islam offered insightful discussions on overcoming obstacles faced by startups, such as funding slowdowns in 2023 and talent shortages. The capstone session of the event was a fireside chat titled 'Delivering on the Promise of Brand Bangladesh.' Influential thought leaders such as Anita Ghazi Rahman from The Legal Circle, Waiz Rahim from Sturgeon Capital, Adnan Dewan from Startup Bangladesh Limited, and Minhaz Anwar from BetterStories explored the promise of Bangladesh and what it would take to deliver on that promise to a talented population. This session was moderated by the founder and board chair of South Asia Tech, Ashfaque Chowdhury.

With a track record of facilitating job creation and fostering opportunities within the startup community for 15 years, BetterStories remains a leader as Bangladesh's premier future-proofing agency in the startup ecosystem.

Event Coordinator: Md. Shahriar Kamal Niloy
Senior Associate; Admin, Procurement, Event & Operations
BetterStories Limited

Project Retrospective: Advancing Women’s Rights of Access to Information in Bangladesh

The 'Advancing Women’s Rights of Access to Information in Bangladesh' project, implemented by Manusher Jonno Foundation (MJF) and funded by USAID through The Carter Center, sought to bridge the information gap for marginalized women in Bangladesh. Although the project, which aimed to maximize the RTI Act's impact, concluded in April 2025, it was paused due to a temporary suspension of USAID funding, following federal directives.  

The Significance of Access to Information for Women: A Legacy of Empowerment

Access to information was recognized as a fundamental human right, unlocking opportunities for women. It enabled them to make informed decisions regarding critical aspects of their lives, including property rights, education, social security, capacity building, and employment. By accessing information, women were able to challenge discriminatory practices, hold duty-bearers accountable, and participate in decision-making processes that affected their lives. This project operated under the understanding that empowering women with information was essential for achieving gender equality and promoting inclusive development.

Challenges Faced by Women in Accessing Information: Overcoming Barriers

Despite the existence of the RTI Act, women in Bangladesh historically encountered numerous obstacles in accessing government-held information. These challenges included:

• Lack of Awareness: Many women were unaware of their right to information and the procedures for obtaining it.

• Social and Cultural Barriers: Traditional gender norms and patriarchal structures often restricted women's mobility and access to public spaces, limiting their ability to seek information.

• Illiteracy and Limited Education: Illiteracy and low levels of education hindered women's ability to understand and utilize information.

• Bureaucratic Hurdles: Complex bureaucratic procedures, lack of responsiveness from duty-bearers, and fear of reprisal deterred women from exercising their right to information.

• Digital Divide: Limited access to technology and digital literacy further marginalized women in the information age.

• Duty-bearer's lack of sensitivity: Many government officials were not sensitized to the specific needs of women information seekers.

Project Objectives and Achieved Outcomes

The project had three core objectives:

1. Enhancing Institutional Capacity: To increase the capacity and responsiveness of national and local-level public institutions in providing information to women. This involved training duty-bearers, raising awareness about gender-sensitive information dissemination, and promoting policy reforms.

2. Empowering Educators: To enhance the ability of secondary school teachers to effectively teach students about the rights of access to information. This included developing training modules, providing resources, and fostering a culture of transparency and accountability in educational institutions.

3. Mobilizing Marginalized Women and Civil Society: To raise awareness among marginalized women and civil society representatives about public services and opportunities accessible through RTI applications. This involved conducting community outreach programs, providing legal aid, and building networks of support.

The project achieved the following outcomes:

1. Effective RTI Education: Secondary school teachers in Bangladesh effectively taught lessons on the Right to Information to their students, fostering a new generation of informed and empowered citizens.

2. Responsive Duty-Bearers: Duty-bearers and RTI-designated officers efficiently delivered public service-related information, particularly to women and marginalized people, promoting transparency and accountability.

Target Population and Geographical Scope: Focused Impact

The project targeted a diverse range of stakeholders, including

• Secondary school teachers

• RTI-designated government officers

• Local government representatives

• Secondary school students  

• Grassroots women

The project focused on Dhaka District, laying a foundation for potential future expansion.

Implementation Strategy and Activities: Methods of Change

MJF employed a multi-pronged strategy to achieve the project objectives, including

• Capacity Building Workshops: Conducting training workshops for duty-bearers and teachers on RTI laws, gender-sensitive information dissemination, and effective communication strategies.

• Awareness Campaigns: Organizing community outreach programs, workshops, and seminars to raise awareness about women's right to information.

• Policy Advocacy: Engaging with government officials and policymakers to advocate for policy reforms that promote transparency and accountability.

• Developing Educational Resources: Creating training modules, manuals, and other resources for teachers and students on the RTI Act.

• Establishing Information Desks: Setting up information desks at strategic locations to provide women with access to information and legal aid.

• Utilizing Media: Using radio, television, and social media to disseminate information and raise awareness about the project.

• Networking and Collaboration: Building partnerships with civil society organizations, government agencies, and media outlets to amplify the project's impact.

My Role as Procurement and Administrative Officer: Enabling Project Efficiency

As the Procurement and Administrative Officer, my role was pivotal in ensuring the project's smooth and efficient implementation. My responsibilities encompassed a wide range of tasks, including

• Strategic Procurement Planning: I developed and implemented procurement strategies that aligned with the project's objectives and USAID's procurement guidelines. This involved conducting market research, identifying potential vendors, and ensuring cost-effectiveness.

• Transparent Procurement Processes: I managed the entire procurement process, from preparing bid documents to evaluating proposals and awarding contracts, ensuring transparency and fairness at every stage.

• Compliance and Documentation: I maintained meticulous records of all procurement activities, ensuring compliance with USAID's regulations and MJF's internal policies. You also prepared procurement reports for audits and donor submissions.

• Logistics Management: I oversaw the logistics for workshops, training sessions, and other project events, including venue selection, transportation, and material distribution.

• Financial Administration: I assisted with budget tracking, expense management, and payment processing, ensuring accurate financial records.

• Office Management: I managed day-to-day office operations, including supplies, equipment, and maintenance, creating a conducive work environment.

• HR Support: I assisted with staff onboarding, offboarding, and record keeping.

• Communication and Coordination: I facilitated communication between project staff, partners, and stakeholders, ensuring effective coordination.

• Compliance: I ensured that all project activities were in compliance with local laws and regulations and donor requirements.

Impact and Sustainability: Lasting Change

The "Advancing Women’s Rights of Access to Information (AWRTI) in Bangladesh" project had a significant impact on women's lives, empowering them to participate fully in society and exercise their rights. By building the capacity of duty-bearers and educators, the project aimed to create a sustainable culture of transparency and accountability. The project's emphasis on community mobilization and networking ensured that women's voices were heard and their needs were addressed.

Alignment with SDGs and MJF's Thematic Issues: Contributing to Broader Goals

The project aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 16, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies, access to justice for all, and effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. It also aligned with MJF's core thematic issues: 

• Strengthening public institutions

• Empowering women

• Ensuring the rights of marginalized people

Through my diligence and expertise, the project achieved its goals and contributed to positive change in the lives of many Bangladeshi women.

Assigned Administrative Personnel from MJF:
Md. Shahriar Kamal (Niloy)
Procurement  and Administrative Officer
Manusher Jonno Foundation