Task force proposes mandatory community service for students in partnership with local govts

The introduction of mandatory community service in academic institutions to cultivate social responsibility and teamwork among students has been recommended in a report submitted to the chief adviser by the economic task force yesterday (30 January).

Education and Planning Adviser Prof Wahiduddin Mahmud handed over a task force's report, titled "Re-strategising the Economy and Mobilising Resources for Equitable and Sustainable Development", to Chief Adviser Prof Muhammad Yunus at the Chief Adviser's Office in Tejgaon last night.

The 12-member task force was formed on 10 September to reframe the development strategies, find out leakages in the financial system and restore discipline in project implementation.

According to the report, this initiative, designed to be a structured learning experience, will be implemented in partnership with local governments to ensure meaningful engagement in public welfare projects.  

Under this plan, students will participate in environmental cleanups, literacy campaigns, and social development initiatives. Their contributions will be officially recognised through certificates, adding value to their academic and professional portfolios. The rollout is set to take place over two years, with the programme continuing thereafter.  

The task force emphasised that community service should go beyond volunteering, integrating civic engagement into the educational framework. By involving local governments, institutions can align student participation with real community needs, creating tangible societal benefits while fostering a sense of duty and active citizenship among young people. 

Other recommendations include awareness campaigns, youth councils and forums, youth mentorship programmes.

Alongside these initiatives, the task force recommended a broader policy framework to empower youth. 

Other key proposals include skill-building programmes tailored to market demands, the establishment of youth councils to amplify voices in policymaking, and mentorship schemes connecting students with successful professionals.  

Civic education is also set to be reintroduced in the national curriculum to instil awareness of rights, responsibilities, and governance from an early age. 

Citizenship should be introduced as a core subject into the school curriculum to include topics on democracy, law and order, human rights, social responsibilities, and positive social norms and values in primary and secondary education levels. 

At the higher education level, certain courses should be made mandatory, like governance, policymaking, and leadership, irrespective of disciplines. Others could be made electives, such as "Sustainable Development," "Community Development," and "Volunteerism".

Students should also be encouraged to conduct research on local governance issues or community challenges. Small grants offered to youth-driven research projects on social improvement would be a great way to encourage interest and participation.

Co-curricular activities, such as Model United Nations (MUN) and debating competitions, will further encourage critical thinking and social engagement.  

Additionally, the report stressed the need for teacher training to make civic education more engaging and participatory. 

Partnerships with NGOs and civic organisations will be leveraged to co-develop citizenship education programmes. 

To ensure accountability, the government is urged to integrate civic responsibilities into national board examinations and civil service tests.  

The task force maintains that these measures will not only equip students with valuable life skills but also instil a culture of active citizenship, helping to shape a more responsible and engaged generation.