My journey with Bangladesh Shishu Academy began in 2003, igniting my passion for theater and music. Though initially drawn to music, it was theater that truly captured my heart, and I soon became a children’s artist. That same year, I was selected by the District Officer of Children Affairs, Bangladesh Shishu Academy, Madaripur, to attend a Life Skills Training. It was during this training that I first encountered Save the Children Australia (SCA), an organization that would go on to shape my path profoundly.
In 2004, my involvement with Save the Children deepened, leading to my participation in the National Children Task Force (NCTF). This movement, born from the National Plan of Action by the Government of Bangladesh to monitor and implement child rights, became a transformative experience. In 2006, I was elected as Secretary General of the NCTF district committee, setting the course for the next few years of my life.
During my tenure as Secretary General, NCTF grew significantly, reaching 44,000 members across 64 district committees. In 2008, at the first NCTF National Conference, I was elected Secretary General of the NCTF Central Committee, a role I held for two years. This period was instrumental in strengthening child rights advocacy in Bangladesh. I was also actively engaged in the Child Parliament, another initiative of Save the Children, which reinforced my belief in youth-led empowerment and leadership.
Despite moving on from NCTF at the age of 18 and leaving Save the Children in 2014, my connection to both organizations never truly faded. For years, I envisioned reconnecting with fellow ex-NCTF and CP members, but various challenges, including the sudden passing of Munir Bhai and Beyel Bhai, delayed my efforts. However, in September 2024, the long-awaited reunion finally took shape.
The Road to the Reunion
Since 2019, Sultan Bhai (Sultan Mahmood), former Country Director of Save the Children Australia and the visionary behind NCTF and CP, had encouraged me multiple times to organize a reunion. In the first week of September 2024, Reza Bhai (Mir Rezaul Karim), my first boss and former Senior Manager of Operations at Save the Children Australia, urged me to reconsider the idea. This time, I took it seriously. I spoke to Sultan Bhai and arranged a meeting with available ex-members of NCTF and CP in Dhaka at the end of September 2024.
Participants in this initial meeting included Rasel Bhai, Mamun Bhai, Nazrul Bhai, Bristi Apu, Tumpa Apu, Lopa Apu, Zafor Bhai, Reza Bhai, Sultan Bhai, Oishi, Shimanto, and Shorbo. Following this meeting, we created a WhatsApp group and started organizing the reunion.
During the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020, I had already created a private Facebook group for ex-NCTF and CP members. This time, I used the platform to communicate about the reunion, aiming for 300 attendees. However, after the initial announcement, only around 60 people expressed interest, out of a group of 500 members.
A small team was formed to visit potential venues, initially selecting the Proshika Training Center in Manikganj. In November, Poly, Ity, Shovon, Anik, and Reza Bhai visited the venue. Eventually, we settled on Gonoshaystha Kendra, Savar, where NCTF began its journey in 2003, with the reunion set for February 7-8, 2025.
The Reunion and Beyond
After months of planning and outreach, on February 7-8, 2025, the first-ever Ex-NCTF & CP Members Reunion became a reality. 100 ex-members gathered at Gonoshaystha Kendra, Savar, Dhaka. The event was filled with nostalgia, laughter, and meaningful conversations. We shared our experiences, discussed our collective impact, and explored ways to continue our legacy.
As one of the organizers, I am incredibly proud of what we achieved. This reunion was not just a walk down memory lane—it was a turning point. We committed to establishing a nationwide youth platform that will uphold the values we once championed. A working committee has already been formed, marking the beginning of something much larger.
I extend my deepest gratitude to Poly, Shovon, Rasel Bhai, Sultan Bhai, Reza Bhai, Marziat, Anisha, Arup, and Raju for their support in making this event possible. Special thanks to Poly, whose leadership truly impressed me.
My Key Findings from the Reunion:
1. Fragmentation: Ex-NCTF & CP members have split into multiple sub-groups, leading to differing perceptions and internal divisions.
2. Lack of Strong Leaders: There is a shortage of capable leaders among the ex-members, which is a concern. Relatively new ex-members are more capable to some extent.
3. Fear from Past Experiences: Almost 80% of members harbor fears due to past negative experiences, including being mistreated by some seniors and Save the Children employees.
4. Backlash Against Former Leadership: Some seniors who did not provide opportunities for juniors in the past now face resentment.
5. Minimal Resistance: Less than 1% of members are actively opposing new initiatives, meaning there is strong potential for progress.
6. Potential for Impact: With the right leadership, this group can achieve remarkable things in Bangladesh.
7. Preference for Skill-Based Selection: Members prefer selecting leaders based on skills rather than voting processes.
8. Continued Social Work: Many members are actively engaged in social work, running NGOs, platforms, or contributing individually.
9. Leadership Gaps in Key Positions: Some former members now hold high positions in organizations but lack leadership skills, leading to concerning workplace politics.
10. Need for an Alumni Association: While forming a youth-led platform is important, establishing a strong Alumni Association is even more crucial for long-term impact.
Looking Ahead
This reunion was just the beginning. We have the opportunity to rebuild, reconnect, and create something lasting. Moving forward, strengthening an Alumni Association will be a priority, alongside launching structured youth initiatives.
The energy, commitment, and shared passion at the reunion reaffirmed that we are still capable of making a difference—together.
This is just the start of a new chapter.
