The six-month fellowship combines structured learning, mentorship and internships, connecting graduates with government, business, development and academic organisations.
JAAGO Foundation Trust and YouthNet Global have launched a three-year fellowship programme aimed at helping young graduates gain practical experience, professional skills and exposure to different sectors as they move from higher education into professional life.
The NextGen Graduate Fellowship Programme was formally inaugurated at a hotel in the capital on Sunday, with more than 100 representatives from government and private sector organisations, educational institutions, development organisations and the media attending the event.
A total of 80 fellows will take part in four batches over three years, with 20 fellows in each batch. Each fellowship will run for six months, combining three months of structured learning, mentorship and group projects with three months of internship or practical work opportunities at different organisations.
The initiative is being implemented under the Nagorikota: Civic Engagement Fund, with financial support from the Embassy of Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada and the European Union.
The Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka is serving as the academic partner, while GFA Consulting Group is providing programme management.
The fellowship is designed to help recent graduates strengthen problem-solving, communication, teamwork and workplace capabilities through structured learning, mentorship and practical exposure. Fellows will have opportunities to engage with organisations from the government, business, development and academic sectors and learn from experienced practitioners.
A panel discussion at the launch focused on how universities, employers and other institutions can better support young graduates as they enter the workplace.
Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said the fellowship aims to create opportunities for young graduates to become active contributors rather than remain limited to seeking employment.
“Beyond preparing young people for employment, we want to create opportunities for them to develop practical experience, innovative thinking and the confidence to contribute meaningfully to their workplaces and communities,” he said.
Prof Niaz Ahmed Khan, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka and a professor of the Department of Development Studies, stressed the importance of stronger links between universities and industry.
“Dialogue with industry needs to continue in the Bangladesh context. We are now realising that we need to maintain relationships with one another. The relationship is improving, and we are hopeful,” he said.
Parveen Sultana Rabbi, Director of the National Institute of Mass Communication, said Bangladeshi graduates are resilient and understand the effort required after completing university education.
“Standing beside them through such an initiative is a noble effort. I hope we will see more timely initiatives of this kind from different organisations. I also call upon government institutions to become involved in such initiatives,” she said.
Korvi Rakshand, Executive Director of JAAGO Foundation Trust, said working with different stakeholders would give young fellows valuable experience and help them contribute to the country in the future.
Adi Walker, Director and International Team Leader of GFA Consulting Group, said fellows would be encouraged to broaden their professional outlook and strengthen their capabilities through intensive professional development.
“We need to prepare people who can go beyond themselves. We are working towards intensive professional development to achieve that goal,” he said.
Ifrat Hossain, a young fellow of the programme, said young graduates are ready to contribute but need an enabling environment and opportunities to demonstrate their potential.
“We are ready to contribute, but we also need an ecosystem where young people can learn, gain experience and get opportunities to prove what they can do,” he said.
