DHAKA, Nov 18, 2023 (BSS) - From two decades of struggle for independence to nine month bloody war that led to the emergence of the youngest nation in South Asia, youth remained at the forefront and the tale of their bravery, sacrifice and valour is scripted as indomitable.

As a harbinger of change, a young Mujib, just being an ordinary boy from a rural village, traversed the entire now defunct East Pakistan, shored up support among the youth for language movement in 1952 against a dreadful Pakistan Junta that culminated in the 1971 war, leading to the birth of the country, still remained as source for countless youths to take the country forward.

Fifty years down the line, the youth population of the youngest nation in South Asia has increased by 15.81 percent to 4.59 crore in the last decade, as per the recent census vindicating the role of youth more important than ever.

And to harness, groom and unite the potentials of youth, Young Bangla, a platform that seeks to stand with youths, has been launched as the platform started acting as a flexible space for the youth to come together into a network and collectively strive for achieving personal and national goals through sharing and cooperation.

Joy Bangla Youth Award

With young trailblazers of the country are waiting with bated breath, the much awaited and biggest recognition for the super achievers -- Joy Bangla youth Award-is set to take place this afternoon.

This year the call for application for this prestigious award drew an overwhelming response as around 700 promising youth led organizations are locked in a nerve raking battle to lift up the trophy.

Importantly, some key features that set the award, under auspices of the largest youth platform Young Bangla, apart are inclusiveness and the length and breadth of the selection of categories that opened up comprehensive window for the change-makers from even the remotest part of the country.

Following a rigorous screening process, a diversified and celebrated jury board, comprising of celebrated personalities, has been tasked with taking the final call on the fate of the aspirants as this year 12 organizations will be recognised under six categories.

This year the categories are: Skill and Employment, Art and Culture, Community Wellness, Social Inclusion, Climate and Environment, Innovation and Communication.

Emerged as the most celebrated award for those setting up to transform lives, this award is named after the historic war slogan "Joy Bangla", previous winners of the award have made their marks on global stage also, bringing in moments of pride and glory for the country.

The much awaited final event-award ceremony-will be telecast live on different television channels between 2:20pm and 3:40 pm today as award session.

Joy Bangla Youth Award has helped showcase silent but transformational initiatives - from educating street children in Dhaka to helping the poor and vulnerable tea worker communities in Sylhet.

Sajeeb Wazed, chairperson of Centre for Research and Information (CRI), will hand over the awards at the ceremony - to be attended by an esteemed jury panel and a stream of country's top young achievers, former and current awardees.

Born amidst the turmoil of the 1971 Liberation War, Sajeeb Wazed, like his sister Saima Wazed, had to come to terms with the "Midnight Massacre" on the fateful night of 15 August, 1975, when Bangabandhu was brutally killed with many of his family. Only his mother Sheikh Hasina and aunt Sheikh Rehana survived the horrific carnage.

Since its inception in 2014, Young Bangla, the largest network of the country's youths, has become a beacon light that already provided with real and measurable gains for youth led organisations.

The goal of this platform, CRI's youth secretariat, is not just awarding or recognising the young change makers but also helping them network, connect with policymakers, and receive proper grooming.

Bestowed with the recognition, a couple of past awardees later earned international recognition including the prestigious Diana Award and International Children's Peace Prize.