The ASTHA Project, funded by the Embassy of Switzerland in Bangladesh, is implemented in collaboration with Rupantar. Running from October 2023 to March 2026, the initiative is being implemented in seven upazilas of the Bandarban district. The project addresses socio-economic inequalities, intolerance, and political challenges. It aims to empower youth and marginalized communities, aligning with the National Youth Policy 2017 to foster grassroots engagement, leadership, and social harmony. By establishing youth forums, civic platforms, and advocacy programs, ASTHA cultivates peace, tolerance, and governance while encouraging active participation in development processes. With a focus on capacity building, inclusive awareness initiatives, and community safeguarding, the project creates opportunities for dialogue, collective action, and policy advocacy, contributing to sustainable development goals and a peaceful, inclusive Bangladesh.
Tolerant and peaceful democratic spaces are promoted by upholding human rights in civic and social sectors through active engagement for empowered civic activists, youth, women, minorities, and marginalized groups.
ASTHA has been actively engaged in seven Upazilas of Bandarban District, including Bandarban Sadar, Rowangchhari, Ruma, Thanchi, Lama, Alikadam, and Naikhyongchhari, covering 126 villages.
The project supports two primary categories of beneficiaries: youth group members and civic platform members, with a total of 240 active participants (210 youth group members and 30 civic platform members).
To encourage active youth engagement at the grassroots level of the working area to prevent communal violence and promote peace, tolerance, social harmony, and good governance.
To explore the opportunity of youth leadership by creating the scope of synchronized actions and interactions among youth, community leaders, and seniors.
To engage the grassroots level youth, male and female, from marginalized communities in the mainstream development process of the country, as per the guidance of National Youth Policy 2017.
About GRAUS
GRAUS (Gram Unnayon Sangathon), founded in 1998, envisions a society free from discrimination, hunger, and poverty. Dedicated to empowering marginalized communities, GRAUS fosters resilience and inclusivity through active participation in sustainable development. Registered with Bangladesh’s Ministry of Social Welfare and the Bureau of NGO Affairs, GRAUS is a proud member of IUCN and IIFB, reflecting its commitment to biodiversity conservation and climate solutions.
Developed by Aung Chano Marma, Advisor, GRAUS Contact: 01620827555
