Youth Forum: Chittagong University

On January 2 2017, a Bangladesh Priorities Youth Forum was held at Chittagong University. Sixty two students from Chittagong University participated in the forum. Prof. Dr. Sonia Hoque, Chairman, Department of Public Administration, Mohammed Yunus & Nasir Uddin, Lecturers, Department of Public Administration attended as special guests.

After a lively debate and fruitful discussion regarding the ranking of top priorities for Bangladesh,  21 students ranked “boost agricultural productivity” as their top priority. The students considered the intervention for its possible benefits in fulfilling basic needs which also make Bangladesh less dependent on imported food. One participant remarked that

it will make us less dependent on imported food and also it will ensure food based nutrition.” 

In addition, “e-procurement across government” was ranked as a top priority by another 8 students. One student commented that

it will help to reduce both cost of procured goods and the procurement process. It will also increase efficiency by ensuring transparency of the process."

Together, the students ranked the following interventions as their top 5 priorities for Bangladesh.

• Boost agricultural productivity.
• E-procurement across government.
• Mangrove protection in Sundarban. 
• Land records digitization.
• Psycho-social stimulation for stunting.