As someone who has spent over a decade working at the intersection of technology, youth development, and policy reform, I’ve seen both the promise and the pressure that young people face in Bangladesh. On one hand, there is an undeniable energy in our youth—a drive to innovate, build, and lead. On the other, there are structural and cultural barriers that stifle their voices, limit their choices, and keep them from meaningfully engaging in public discourse.
That’s where the idea of Freedom Fellows was born.
The Turning Point
Over the years, I’ve engaged with students, grassroots organizers, startup founders, and researchers across Bangladesh. No matter the background, one common thread kept emerging our youth are eager for change but don’t always know how to navigate the system to make it happen. They are often left out of critical conversations around policy, governance, and rights—not due to a lack of capability, but due to a lack of access.
This is particularly alarming in a country like ours, where over 60% of the population is under the age of 35. These are not just future leaders; they are today’s changemakers. But for them to step into that role, we must equip them with the tools, knowledge, and networks they need.
That’s why I designed Freedom Fellows, a civic leadership and policy education program focused on economic, political, and legal freedoms.
What Is Freedom Fellows?
Freedom Fellows is more than a fellowship. It is a training ground for civic courage, a community for the curious, and a launchpad for local impact.
The program is designed to:
- Educate fellows about the foundations of a free society—what economic freedom means, how political rights can be exercised responsibly, and why legal protections matter.
- Empower them with the tools to question policies, propose alternatives, and communicate reforms effectively.
- Connect them with mentors, policymakers, and experts—locally and globally—so their ideas don’t remain theoretical.
We aim to onboard 30 youth from diverse backgrounds across all eight divisions of Bangladesh in each cohort. Through workshops, simulations, projects, and public dialogues, they will engage deeply with real-world challenges and develop solutions grounded in both data and empathy.
Why Freedom?
In Bangladesh, the word “freedom” often evokes memories of our Liberation War – a proud, defining moment. But freedom is not just about national independence. It’s also about individual agency – the freedom to speak, to think, to create, to protest, to start a business, or to build something new without unnecessary interference or fear.
Unfortunately, many young people in Bangladesh don’t grow up with a deep understanding of these freedoms as actionable rights. They are often taught to obey, not to question. To survive, not to lead.
This program aims to change that.
Why Now?
Bangladesh is at a crossroads. Political transitions, economic instability, and rising youth frustration have created both uncertainty and opportunity. There is a growing call for deregulation, economic liberalization, and more participatory governance. But for reforms to be meaningful and lasting, they must be locally owned and youth-led.
Now is the time to invest in this generation—not just economically, but intellectually and civically. Freedom Fellows is my response to that call.
Partnership
Building a freer society is not a solo mission—it requires strong partnerships grounded in shared values.
Over the years, Preneur Lab has had the privilege of working with like-minded organizations that believe in the power of youth, freedom, and civic engagement.
We successfully conducted 7 cohorts of civic training programs in collaboration with the Friedrich Naumann Foundation, through which we trained 210 young leaders across Bangladesh in principles of liberal democracy, entrepreneurship, and civic innovation.
Most recently, we launched Cohort 8 in partnership with Atlas Network, expanding our focus to include economic freedom and policy advocacy, supported by global best practices and regional contextualization.
Looking Ahead
I don’t expect Freedom Fellows to solve all of Bangladesh’s challenges. But I do believe it can spark a shift – one where youth no longer wait for reforms but actively shape them. One where freedom is not a distant ideal but a lived, local practice.
If you’re passionate about youth empowerment, policy innovation, or building freer societies, I’d love to connect. This is just the beginning.
