NexGen Graduate Fellowship Program launched in Dhaka

The inauguration of the three-year 'NexGen Graduate Fellowship Program' was held on Sunday at a hotel in the capital, jointly organized by JAAGO Foundation Trust and YouthNet Global. 

Nearly one hundred representatives from key public and private sector stakeholders, educational institutions, development organizations, and media outlets attended the event.

Project representatives shared that the main objective of this program is to empower fresh graduates with integrity, a sense of responsibility, and versatile skills, rather than preparing them merely as job seekers.

Under this three-year initiative, a total of 80 fellows across four batches will participate. Each six-month batch will consist of 20 fellows. The first three months of the fellowship will focus on academic coursework, mentorship, and group projects, followed by three months of direct hands-on experience through internships or job placements at various organizations. 

The program will operate through a collaborative framework involving the government, universities, businesses, and non-governmental organizations, with the Department of Development Studies at the University of Dhaka joining as an academic partner.

The NexGen program is being implemented under the 'Nagorikota: Civic Engagement Fund', supported by the Embassy of Switzerland, Global Affairs Canada, and the European Union, with JAAGO Foundation Trust and YouthNet Global serving as the implementing partners.

A key highlight of the event was a high-level panel discussion featuring representatives from education, public administration, corporate management, and the development sector, alongside a fellowship participant. Panelists highlighted the essential skill sets required for fresh graduates and the creation of a sustainable support framework for them.

Responding to a question, Prof. Niaz Ahmed Khan PhD, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Dhaka and Professor at the Department of Development Studies, said, "In the context of Bangladesh, continuous dialogue is necessary to maintain a strong relationship with the industry. We are now realizing the importance of mutual engagement. The relationship is improving, and we remain hopeful."

Panel speaker Parveen Sultana Rabbi, Director at the National Institute of Mass Communication, noted, "Our graduates are remarkably resilient; they understand the effort required once they graduate. Supporting them through such initiatives is a noble effort. I hope to see more timely initiatives like this from others and urge government institutions to join hands with this program."

Outlining the vision for the initiative, Adi Wakar, Director and International Team Leader at GFA Consulting Group, stated, "Our fellows must think beyond traditional boundaries. We need to prepare individuals who can transcend their own limits, and we are working toward that goal through intensive professional development."

Sohanur Rahman, Executive Coordinator of YouthNet Global, said, "Through the NexGen Graduate Fellowship Program, we aim to create opportunities for young graduates to develop skills, leadership, innovative thinking, and real-world experience. We want to prepare them for the future workforce and the overall development of the nation."

Delivering the vote of thanks at the conclusion of the event, Korvi Rakshand, Executive Director of JAAGO Foundation Trust, said, "What we are undertaking is by no means an easy task. Learning to work alongside so many stakeholders will certainly propel our young fellows forward, enabling them to work for the betterment of Bangladesh."

The organizers hope that NexGen will serve not merely as a fellowship program, but as a lasting bridge of collaboration among the government, universities, corporate entities, and non-governmental organizations. Through this initiative, organizers believe young Bangladeshi graduates will be equipped to play a meaningful role not only in the job market, but also in building society and institutions.