Last episode of Bangladesh Decides: The Youth Speaks held

The HerNet Foundation, in a significant move towards youth empowerment and social change, successfully concluded the fifth and final episode of its much-acclaimed series, "Bangladesh Decides: The Youth Speaks" (BDYS), at the Royal Saudi Arabia Embassy in Bangladesh.

The event, which took place on December 24 was a collaboration between HerNet Foundation and the European Union Embassy in Bangladesh, showcasing a united commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the youth in Bangladesh. Alisha Pradhan, the founding CEO and MD of HerNet TV, conceptualized this groundbreaking initiative.

The series finale brought together bright students from ten prestigious universities, providing a platform for them to voice their insights, aspirations, and innovative solutions to the multifaceted identity challenges within an evolving Bangladesh.
The event was broadcast live on HerNet TV, the worlds first television network dedicated to womens wellbeing. Licensed by the Government of Bangladesh, HerNet TV aims to create a discrimination-free, harmonized world for women.

It focuses on womens rights, empowerment of children, youth, and women, and offers educational programs for marginalized communities, contributing towards the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) 2030.

The dialogue of the final episode revolved around "Global Dynamics: Foreign Aid, National Sovereignty, and the Roles of Public and Private Sectors in Development," from a Bangladeshi perspective.

The session was chaired by H.E. Essa Youssef Essa Al Duhailan, the Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Bangladesh, with Professor Atiqul Islam, Vice Chancellor of NSU, serving as the chief guest.

Including other distinguished guests, there was Monir Prodhan, advisor of HerNet Group; Dr. Bernd Spanier, Deputy Head of Delegation of European Union to Bangladesh; Dr. Sadeka Halim, vice chancellor of Jagannath University; M. Rafiqul Islam vice chancellor of IUT, Mr. Mahbubul Alam, President of FBCCI (Online) ; Mr. Akhter Hossain, NSDA Principal Coordinator of Prime Minister Office; Hosna Prodhan, chairperson of HerNet TV ; Mr.Zaved Akhter, Chairman & MD of Unilever Bangladesh Ltd; Bibi Russell, Founder Bibi Production; Tasnuva Islam, Director of Le Meridian Dhaka; Mohammad Quamrul Hassan, Business Director of ACI Consumer Brands, Sabrina Shaheed, Principal of Sir John Wilson school; Prof Mekhala Sarker, psychiatrist of national institute mental health; Azeeza Khan, director of summit group ; Professor AKM Mazharul Islam, Professor of Department of Anthropology of SUST, and many more.

Alisha Pradhan, a prominent figure in social change and the founder of the HerNet Group, chaired the events moderation.

Pradhan, known for her advocacy for women, children, youth, and marginalized communities, has been recognized for her efforts at national and international levels.

Her pioneering leadership was notably acknowledged when she became the first Bangladeshi woman to feature on an international TEDx stage.