Blending creativity with development communication

We did a workshop in Rajshahi this year with icddr,b under USAID ACTB (Alliance for Combating Tuberculosis) Project which helped to raise awareness for TB.

Adnan Mehedee Khan is the Director of Project Development & Communication in Jolputul Puppets, a non-profit organisation that hosts puppet shows. He also works with mPower Social Enterprises Limited as Manager of Communications & External Relations.

Adnan is currently pursuing a post-graduation diploma from Pathshala South Asian Media Institute in Film and Television under the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Fellowship. He has earned a place in the Dhaka Hub Global Shapers 2021 Cohort. The Global Shapers are a community of young leaders and changemakers aged between 20 and 30, curated by the World Economic Forum. The Dhaka Hub was founded in 2014.

In an interview with The Daily Star, Adnan shared his career journey, valuable insights and more.

What does Jolputul Puppets do? How did you become involved with them?

While transitioning from theatre to puppetry, Jolputul Puppets caught my attention. It is a misconception that puppetry is children's entertainment. In fact, the kind of activities and campaigns we do attract audiences of different demographics, and work as an effective medium to convey messages about social stigma. We did a workshop in Rajshahi this year with icddr,b under USAID ACTB (Alliance for Combating Tuberculosis) Project  which helped to raise awareness for TB.

What does your work as Manager of mPower Social Enterprises Limited entail?

This job gave me the opportunity to work in USAID's Youth Entrepreneurship and Empowerment Support (YES) Activity Programme. As I am leading a team of communication professionals in projects that empower the youth, I get firsthand experience of how today's youth think about society and empowerment. 

How did you avail the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung Fellowship?

It was offered to me for my engagement in in radio, audio visual media, and puppetry. Getting connected with an international hub of professionals from all around the world has been very rewarding.

How has being a part of Dhaka Hub benefitted you?

I had the scope to connect with passionate development workers from multiple disciplines. Collaborations like these were very rewarding for me. From youth engagement to sports, the diversity is boundless.

The author is a student of BRAC University, and a freelance journalist. Email: shanzaychowdhury@gmail.com.