Anagrasar Samaj Unnayan Sangstha (ASUS) a Rajshahi-based development organization. The focus of the organisation covers to main areas: youth and women.
Youth Debating Violence
During political violence ASUS organise debate around how young people can end political violence and violence within communities. ASUS uses activities such as student debates and art competitions in order to encourage youth participation so that young people are able to exhibit their views on peaceful alternatives to violence. The debate raised thought-provoking questions and engaged the young people involved deeply in an issue they were enthusiastic about discussing.
Using the academic environment to provide a space for students to tackle such a sensitive topic proved to be an alternative method to reaching the youth and provided them with a public forum to safely discuss their role in social and political change. The event which is accompanied by a signature campaign, maintained a high level of enthusiasm among participants.
Empowering women
Working to provide women from ethnic groups in Bangladesh with education and skills in order to empower them improve their living quality ASUS has organised debates around rights based issues such as job placement, education on land rights and health care.