Impact Talk 2025 inspires youth to rebuild Bangladesh with social business

The Season 2 of Impact Talk 2025 explored how social business can solve urgent social challenges of Bangladesh.

Rising social entrepreneurs, experts, youth leaders, students, and development partners attended event, under the theme of "Social Business – Tackling Social Challenges", at The Daily Star Conference Hall on May 10. 

The forum, organised by Bloodman, powered by Keeron, and was held in association with The Daily Star.

Bloodman Founder and Chairman Md Sahariar Hasan Jiisun opened the event by urging young people to use business as a force for social goods.

In a fireside chat titled 'Empowering Youth for Social Goods,' Kabita Bose, Country Director of Plan International Bangladesh, encouraged youth to stay active, practice self-care, learn financial skills, and bring business opportunities to rural areas. She contrasted limited local support with global success stories and asked young people to become self-reliant and community-oriented.

The panel discussion 'Civil Society and Youth-Led Initiatives Teaming Up,' moderated by Audrika Eshna Purbasha, featured Md. Abdul Quayyum, Head of Communications, UNDP Bangladesh, and Nazmul Ahsan, Lead, Youth and Just Society of ActionAid Bangladesh. They identified clear planning, diverse funding, and strong storytelling as keys to youth-run enterprises. Mr Quayyum advised attendees to "focus on processes, discover personal strengths, and master digital literacy, AI, marketing analysis, and communication."

Dr. Ahmed Armaan Siddiqui, CEO of Grameen Digital Healthcare Solutions, presented "Shukhee," a social business that offers MBBS doctor consultations for Tk 20 under his speech 'Scaling Social Impacts Through Social Business.' He stressed that social ventures must be built with empathy, efficiency, and impact at their core.

Participants posed questions on job security, time management, building businesses from ideation to success, and nation-building. Development professional Asif Mahmud said, "The day's insights answered many of my questions," and called for more forums that guide youth.

The forum ended with closing remarks from Tajdin Hassan, CBO of The Daily Star and COO of Keeron, who urged continued youth-led action for sustainable change.