BRAC’s ‘Carnival of Change 2025’ began with a showcase of the young generation’s ideas, innovations, and initiatives aimed at driving positive social change. More than 250 young people from across the nation participated in this vibrant event, held on 29 and 30 November at the BRAC CDM premises in Savar. Alongside exhibitions of social initiatives and innovations by young entrepreneurs and innovators, the programme included discussions, dialogues, and workshops.
In the final segment, three outstanding initiatives were awarded from among twelve nominated projects for their creativity, potential to bring positive change, and contribution to local communities. The award-winning projects were Stories of Inclusion, an accessible audiobook initiative for children with disabilities; Jolshikha, producing eco-friendly charcoal from coconut shells; and GoodDo Toys, creating educational and inclusive toys for children. For the first time, the winners of the Young Changemakers Award 2025 will also receive BRAC’s Social Entrepreneurs’ Fellowship.
Delivering the keynote address, Professor Abdullah Abu Sayeed, writer, educator, and Founder of Bishwo Shahitto Kendro, encouraged youth to persevere in life. He said, ‘You do not have to give up on anything. Once something becomes part of your soul, you must follow it. Ask yourself what your life wants, what your dreams want. Follow your dreams, and you will taste success. Do something new in your life.’
Speaking about the multidimensional nature of humans, he added, ‘What sets humans apart from other creatures? Other beings are one-dimensional, but humans are multidimensional. The beauty of human diversity is limitless. You can achieve greatness through effort. The initiatives taken by the members of Amra Notun Network today are driven by genuine conviction. Do not be swayed by laughter or negativity. Humans are remarkable beings, possessing boundless resilience. We get hurt, we break, but we do not give up and neither should you.’
In the session titled ‘The Science of Finding a Way’, Asif Saleh, Executive Director of BRAC, addressed the young generation, stating that human beings cannot survive without hope; it is what keeps us dreaming anew. He urged them to dream big and reflect on overcoming challenges. He added that BRAC has reached where it is today because Sir Fazle Hasan Abed dared to think big.
Noting that Bangladesh faces no shortage of challenges, from unemployment and economic inequality to climate change, Asif Saleh said that young people must step forward to address these issues. He added that with artificial intelligence and many other forces reshaping the world, young people must broaden the horizons of their thinking.
He further said that we must look beyond the world portrayed on social media and focus instead on the real world built by people, for people. Accepting externally imposed ideas does not make one modern or smart; it is essential to value one’s own thinking, identity, and authenticity.
The first day of the event began with an inspirational session, Youth Voices Echoing the Essence of Changemaking, followed by the lecture The Way to Success, delivered by Safi Rahman Khan, Director of BRAC’s Human Capital Development Cluster. He highlighted that there is no universal definition of success; each individual defines success based on their own life experiences. He noted that society often narrows success to material gains, which does not reflect what truly matters.
One of the highlights of the event was the formal launch of the Amra Notun Young Changemakers Award 2025, inaugurated by Md. Shariful Islam Hasan, Associate Director of BRAC’s Migration Programme and Youth Platform. He stated that Bangladesh has no shortage of challenges, yet it is the young people who will step forward to solve them. To ensure that these initiatives by the youth are institutionally grounded, Amra Notun Network (ANN) was formally launched in 2018.
From an initial 50 applications, twelve projects were nominated for the final round. Among the shortlisted projects that did not receive the main award were Eco Care (ornaments made from coffee waste), Uttaron (eco-friendly handcrafted products made from coconut shells), Arohon (bangles and sarees made from upcycled garment waste), TriRE (eco-friendly bags, mats, and pen holders made from used clothes), Prerona (bags made from old clothes), Project Nirvoya (reusable pads for tea-estate women in Sreemangal), Shunno (handcrafted products made from sugarcane waste), Nandonik (fashion items produced from eco-printed and upcycled textile waste), and Humanity Public Library (a community library in a village in Khulna).
The day concluded with a captivating cultural programme. Guests and participants enjoyed mesmerising musical performances by renowned Bangladeshi musicians Warfaze and Sovvota.
The first day of the Carnival of Change 2025 served as a platform for recognition, dialogue, and celebration, reaffirming BRAC’s commitment to supporting the next generation of changemakers in Bangladesh and amplifying their voices.
On the second day, the event will include sessions, discussions, dialogues, and workshops focused on the personal development of participants, career guidance, and ways to play a positive role in nation-building.
BRAC’s ‘Amra Notun Network’ works closely with university-going young people. Through life-skills training, guidance, and a variety of activities, the platform aims to prepare them for future leadership. Established in 2018, ANN has now expanded to 17 districts across the country. More than 2,600 young people have received training through this initiative, and many of these young changemakers have earned recognition and awards from the Gates Foundation, NASA, and the United Nations. Alumni of the ‘Amra Notun Network’ remain actively involved in the platform, providing mentorship to their juniors.
