To foster democratic leadership and civic engagement, SHISUK has initiated a dynamic platform for youth aged 16 to 25 across four subdistricts in Cumilla. Through parliamentary-style debates, the initiative equips students with the skills to advocate for climate action, agroecology, and community development.
In August 2024, SHISUK Executive Director Mr. Sakiul Millat Morshed envisioned a unique youth engagement program to cultivate leadership qualities among young citizens. This vision led to the creation of the Community Model Parliament (CMP), a platform designed to involve young voices from the Daudkandi, Chandina, Meghna, and Muradnagar subdistricts of the Cumilla district. Supported by the Agroecology Fund, the initiative aims to train up to 60 youth participants in democratic processes and parliamentary procedures.
The Power of Democratic Practice
The CMP provides a structured space for youth to engage in meaningful discussions on pressing public issues. The program focuses on critical themes, including climate change action, agroecology, nutrition, safe food, community enterprise, and social development.
By participating in study cycles and parliamentary sessions, students develop their critical thinking and public speaking abilities. This foundational training empowers them to articulate public issues and present their demands directly to policy-making bodies.
Selection Through Parliamentary Debate
To select the 60 members of the CMP, SHISUK utilized a collaborative strategy, hosting preparatory meetings with representatives from local educational institutions. The primary selection process centered around a series of rigorous parliamentary debate competitions.
During these competitions, students were challenged to debate complex topics such as the necessity of environment-friendly agriculture for safe food, the impact of chemical pesticides, and the role of courtyard agriculture in combating rising commodity prices. Three students from each successfully participating college or madrasa are selected to officially register as members of the Model Parliament.
Highlights from the Regional Competitions
In December 2024, SHISUK successfully hosted three major regional debate competitions to identify the inaugural CMP members:
- Chandina: Held on December 18 at Nawtala Islamia Senior Alim Madrasa, Dollai Noabpur Government College emerged as the champion, with Sanjida Akter named the best debater.
- Muradnagar: On December 21 at Badiul Alam Degree College, Sonakanda Darul Huda Masters Kamil Madrasha secured the championship, and Md. Zahid won best debater.
- Daudkandi: Hosted at Gouripur Munshi Fazlur Rahman Government College on December 26, Barkota School & College took the champion title, with Juthi Biswas awarded best debater. This event also featured an additional session on “Youth in Agroecology & Social Accountability” led by Global Youth Climate Summit 2024 Climate Champion Raisul Millat Shafkat.
Building the Parliament
Despite initial logistical challenges caused by heavy rainfall and regional flooding, the initiative has successfully connected with 11 educational institutions. The recent competitions have yielded a strong initial roster of 34 selected youth leaders.
To complete the 60-member assembly, SHISUK is currently coordinating with seven previously absent colleges and institutions within the Meghna upazila to identify 26 additional youth representatives. Once the final roster is complete, SHISUK will conduct comprehensive orientation and training programs to fully prepare these young leaders for their forthcoming parliamentary sessions.
