CivicPulse workshop concludes at CU, emphasising digital rights, youth leadership
The programme, titled CivicPulse: Digital Rights and Youth Leadership Accelerator, was organised by Students For Liberty Bangladesh (SFL-BD) in partnership with the Chittagong University Research and Higher Studies Society (CURHS). The Business Standard (TBS) was the media partner.
A two-day workshop on civic literacy, democratic engagement and digital rights concluded yesterday (1 March) at the University of Chittagong (CU), bringing together around 100 students from different departments to discuss youth participation in the country's evolving socio-political landscape.
The programme, titled CivicPulse: Digital Rights and Youth Leadership Accelerator, was organised by Students For Liberty Bangladesh (SFL-BD) in partnership with the Chittagong University Research and Higher Studies Society (CURHS) at the Innovation Hub of the university's new arts faculty building. The Business Standard (TBS) was the media partner.
According to organisers, the workshop aimed to strengthen civic awareness, democratic values and understanding of digital rights among university students amid growing challenges such as misinformation and online harassment.
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Effat Jahan Efa, project manager of CivicPulse, delivered the welcome address and outlined the initiative's objective of equipping young people with leadership skills and civic knowledge. She noted that Students For Liberty operates globally and has been implementing youth-focused civic programmes in Bangladesh for more than a decade.
In his inaugural remarks, Dr Mohammed Al-Amin, dean of the Faculty of Science at CU, described the initiative as timely and underscored the role of students in responsible democratic participation.
Dr Adnan Mannan, professor of genetic engineering and biotechnology at the university, highlighted misinformation and cyber harassment as key challenges, stressing the need for responsible behaviour in digital spaces.
During the sessions, Dr Masud Kamal led discussions on democratic principles, youth leadership and the balance between freedom and responsibility, encouraging students to reflect on their role in safeguarding democratic institutions.
Another session, facilitated by Dr Dominik Whittaker from the Asian University for Women, focused on digital rights, information integrity and strategies to counter misinformation. Participants took part in interactive discussions and a civic innovation exercise aimed at developing campus-based initiatives.
The programme concluded with reflections, feedback and networking among participants, reinforcing the importance of informed and engaged youth leadership for Bangladesh's democratic and digital future, organisers said.
CivicPulse is a flagship initiative of SFL-BD designed to build civic literacy and leadership capacity among young people through workshops, mentorship and project-based learning across the country.
