Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC), the country’s first leadership institute, organised a 7.5-km run in Hatirjheel, in association with the Ministry of Youth and Sport, to raise awareness on reducing air pollution and promoting sustainable urban living.

Supported by the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, the BYLC Running with Purpose 2023 event saw the participation of around 600 runners of diverse backgrounds.

The run held on Friday drew attention to the importance of clean air, focusing on Sustainable Development Goal 11 which underscores the importance for the provision of space towards inclusive and sustainable urbanization.

BYLC board member and editor of Dhaka Tribune, Zafar Sobhan said, “Youth are the inspiration for change and the old generation is here to listen to the voice of youth and facilitate their dreams.”

“It’s ironic that 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,” said Ejaj Ahmad, founder and president of BYLC.

“Today, you all ran to raise alarm. Today, we all got together to raise alarm. Our run to bring action cannot stop here. We must continue our efforts to raise awareness and take responsibility to bring change,” said Tahsinah Ahmed, Executive Director, BYLC

Praava Health, a leading healthcare provider in Bangladesh, was the health partner for the event while the popular food chain, Unimart, was the food partner. Other partners included Elite Force as our security partner, Dhaka Metropolitan Police, Hatirjheel Thana and others.