Chattogram, 9 December 2025 : YPSA, with support from Save the Children and funding from the German Federal Foreign Office (GFFO), organized a colorful rally and a high-level dialogue forum to mark International Volunteers Day 2025 under the ‘Child centred Anticipatory Action for Better Preparedness of Communities and Local in Northern and Coastal Areas of Bangladesh’ project. The program aimed to strengthen coordination between government disaster management institutions and YPSA-trained volunteers who play a critical frontline role in anticipatory action.
The day began with a rally at 9:45 AM in the Lalkhan Baza area, where volunteers highlighted early warning messages, landslide preparedness, and community resilience. Following the rally, participants gathered at Pitstop Restaurant’s conference hall, where the national anthem was performed and a brief refreshment break took place.
Opening Session
Sanzida Akter, Project Manager at YPSA, delivered the welcome speech, acknowledging the volunteers’ lifelong commitment to serving their communities. She stated that the depth of dedication and public-spirited mindset shown by volunteers “cannot be repaid with any recognition” and reminded them that “volunteers are the strength of the nation” and that YPSA itself began its journey through volunteerism.
The event honored distinguished volunteers, including a Mayor Award recipient and two National Award recipients.
Speeches from Government Representatives
Special guest Abdul Mannan, Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service and Civil Defence, recalled his experience training YPSA volunteers through a residential program in Chandgaon. He emphasized the importance of trained volunteers in emergency response and committed to incorporating YPSA’s recommendations as top priority in future training modules.
Chief guest Ashraful Amin, Secretary (Acting CEO) of Chattogram City Corporation, expressed appreciation for the volunteers’ role in disaster-prone Chattogram. He assured that the City Corporation would continue to recognize and integrate volunteer networks in ward-level disaster preparedness.
“Our administration is determined to give volunteers all possible recognition,” he said, noting that trained youth volunteers now play a vital role in fast, transparent, and community-centered urban management.
Ward-Level Insights
Ward Secretaries Tofayel Ahmed (Ward 7) and Mujibur Rahman (Ward 14) praised the volunteer teams in their areas, describing them as the “first responders” who take initiative without waiting for orders. Their remarks highlighted how community volunteers have become an organized, dependable force during disasters, especially landslides, fires, and flash emergencies.
Interactive Sessions and Capacity Sharing
Deputy Assistant Director of Fire Service Abdul Mannan conducted a highly engaging special session where volunteers asked questions about local fire stations, hotline numbers, emergency protocols, and the support they can expect from Fire Service during disasters. He reiterated the golden rule of response: personal safety first, then the victims, followed by bystanders.
A session on volunteerism was conducted by YPSA trainer Bokhtiar Uddin, who discussed the principles, ethics, capacities, and leadership qualities that define an effective volunteer.
YPSA’s Youth Coordinator, Afra Nawar recently returned from COP 30 in Brazil shared insights from her participation, focusing on climate resilience, youth engagement, and global anticipatory action practices.
In the concluding session, Project Manager Sanzida Akter facilitated a discussion on strengthening community-government coordination for faster, safer, and more organized anticipatory actions in disaster-prone neighborhoods.
The event enhanced understanding between government agencies and community volunteers regarding early warning dissemination, evacuation guidelines, and emergency coordination channels. It reinforced the role of volunteers as pivotal actors during the first 15 critical minutes of any disaster.
With commitments from the City Corporation and Fire Service to expand joint training, drills, and community-based preparedness initiatives, the program marked a significant step toward building a more resilient Chattogram.