My journey with ICF activities began in 2021 when I attended a thematic workshop virtually as a participant from the ICF National Forum of Bangladesh. Before this, I had no prior knowledge of ICF. However, after getting involved with the forum, I discovered that peacebuilding is one of ICF's key focus areas. This aspect sparked my interest, as I previously worked with a local community platform promoting peace, harmony, and inclusiveness. Additionally, I participated in a regional program of the United Nations Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) called the Youth Empowerment and Engagement Programme (YEEP), which introduced me to the concepts of countering and preventing violent extremism. This program significantly enhanced my understanding of peacebuilding initiatives within my community. Seeing the alignment between ICF's work and my own experiences, I was eager to engage further. I later attended an in-person workshop organized by the ICF National Forum of Bangladesh in Mymensingh, Bangladesh, which marked the beginning of my deeper involvement with this platform.
Currently, I am working full-time with the Institute of Informatics & Development (IID) as an Assistant Director of Programs. One of my primary responsibilities is coordinating its youth network, Youth for Policy, which comprises youth volunteers from across Bangladesh. The insights and knowledge I have gained from my engagement with ICF activities have been useful in my work with young people within the Youth for Policy section. These learnings are equipping me to empower and guide youth in addressing societal challenges and fostering a culture of peace and inclusivity.
I was also fortunate to attend the School of Peace 2023, held in Bali, Indonesia. This two-month program was a transformative experience, filled with lessons on diverse cultures, leadership, and peace-building methodologies. The most impactful takeaway for me was learning about project proposal writing, which I have since applied in my professional endeavors. Additionally, the program provided me with essential skills in workshop planning and execution, enabling me to conduct effective and engaging sessions. The overall experience has contributed significantly to my personal and professional growth, shaping me into a more confident and capable individual. Furthermore, the meaningful connections and friendships I built during the school continue to be a valuable part of my network.
Beyond my professional commitments, I am actively involved with the "Back to the Roots" movement, an initiative led by an Indigenous Youth Group. This platform focuses on empowering indigenous youth to take action on critical community issues, including education, environmental sustainability, and human rights. My contributions to this movement are driven by my passion for peacebuilding and community development. In addition, I am currently working towards establishing a school in my village to provide basic and pre-school education for children from the local community. I am collaborating with a charity-based organization, Children’s Heaven Trust, to make this vision a reality.