Manikganj, 28 October 2026 — International Youth Change Maker (IYCM) held an awareness program titled “Youth for Peace, Equality and a Nuclear-Free World” at National Polytechnic Institute, Manikganj. Thirty students aged 16 to 23 took part in the two-hour program. It was led by project leader and facilitator Rubaiat Sharmin Misty, volunteers supporting. This was the first program of its kind in Manikganj.
Why this program matters
The risk of nuclear war is rising with today’s geopolitical tensions. Yet many young people in district towns of Bangladesh still lack clear information about what nuclear weapons do and about the UN’s role in disarmament treaties. The program set out to fill that gap and to give students a voice on a global issue.
What students learned
The project leader led a fact-based discussion on four themes:
- Nuclear vs. conventional weapons: radiation, the scale of a blast, and the lasting harm to future generations
- Hiroshima and Nagasaki (1945): the tragedy and its long-term toll on ordinary people
- Disarmament treaties: the NPT, TPNW and CTBT, and the role of the United Nations and international alliances
- The role of youth: stopping misinformation, raising awareness, and spreading the message of peace
A group discussion and Q&A followed, on how young people can build public opinion for nuclear disarmament.
Placards, peace signs and video messages
After the discussion, students split into four groups and recorded short video messages of 1–2 minutes on what they had learned. They held placards with the program’s seven awareness slogans, including “Build Peace, Not Bombs” and “Equality For All, Nukes For None,” and chanted them together. Many also showed peace signs drawn on their palms.
What participants said
A first-year student said:
“We knew nuclear weapons were dangerous, but we didn’t know their history and the aftermath of an explosion were this terrible. This was the first time we learned so much about disarmament treaties. Today we realised we should take action on this too.”
The teacher in charge said:
“Holding a program on such an important global issue in a place like Manikganj, outside Dhaka, is truly commendable. Our students learned about something beyond their textbooks.”
Results
- 30 students took part and gained new awareness of nuclear weapons and war.
- Students produced more than 20 photos and 3 short awareness videos.
- Placards with 7 awareness messages were made and displayed.
- Students showed interest in learning more and in working against misinformation about nuclear war.
What’s next
IYCM plans to:
- Hold the program at other educational institutions in Manikganj
- Form a youth peace club with these 30 students
- Share the photos and videos on social media on international peace and disarmament days
- Hold a district-level seminar for at least 100 students
