Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), the country's first leadership institute, organized a 7.5km run event in the Hatirjheel area on Friday to raise awareness on reducing air pollution and promoting urban living.
The event, titled “BYLC Running with Purpose 2023”, was organized in association with the Ministry of Youth and Sport and supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.
With a theme of “For a breathable air,” the event saw the participation of around 600 runners of diverse backgrounds.
The run drew attention to Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11, which underscores the importance of the provision of space towards inclusive and sustainable urbanization.
CourtesyZafar Sobhan, BYLC board member and editor of Dhaka Tribune, said: “Youth is the inspiration for change and the old generation is here to listen to the voice of youth and facilitate their dreams.”
Ejaj Ahmad, founder and president of BYLC, said: “Ironically, we are running for a breathable city in a polluted environment. Through this run, we hope to raise awareness on what role the citizens and the government can play in making progress on this challenge.”
Tahsinah Ahmed, executive director of BYLC, said: “Today we all got together to raise alarm. Our initiative to bring action cannot stop here. We must continue our efforts to raise awareness and take responsibility to bring change.”
Praava Health, a leading healthcare provider in Bangladesh, was the health partner for the event, while Unimart, a popular food chain, was the food partner.
Other partners included Elite Force as the security partner, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Hatirjheel police station, and others.