Sadat Rahman. Photo: Collected

Sadat Rahman founded Cyber Teens, an app that provides a safe space for teenagers to ask for help against cyberbullying. For his work, he won the International Children's Peace Prize 2020, which he regards as a fond memory. Before gaining international exposure as a young changemaker, Sadat was conferred with the Joy Bangla Youth Award in 2018. Organised by Young Bangla, this is the most cherished recognition for the country's young changemakers. "This worked as a stepping stone for me to aspire for something bigger, as reflected through my global presence," he asserted.

The fact that Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina joined Young Bangla further fuelled the passion of young people who were silently transforming their communities through diverse initiatives. "I still remember the day she greeted me at Gono Bhaban, inspiring me to continue my social work. This is how Young Bangla offers direct access to the country's policymakers, even the prime minister," he explained.

Joy Bangla Youth Award does not just recognise and reward young changemakers but also helps them network among themselves, connects them with policymakers, and allows them to receive the grooming and support required for maximising the impact of their work. Sadat believes Young Bangla to be the most extensive network of youths in Bangladesh, which is currently shaping an entire generation of visionaries.

"When I first set out on my mission to address social issues, the level of impact I could create as a teenager was not remarkable, and the hurdles and limitations were innumerable," Sadat shared. While the law enforcers and local administration were very cooperative, he still had limited capacity to work out his vision and the Joy Bangla Youth Award gave him limitless access to everything.

"As I shared the idea of the app to stop cyberbullying with Sajeeb Wazed Joy sir, he instantly liked the idea, saying that youths must work hand in hand with the government to solve social problems," he recalled. This award is not the end goal for Sadat and his aspirations. Rather, this event is just the beginning of carrying forward the dream he has.

Maisha Islam Monamee contributed to this article.