Joseph Mahtab, a versatile social reformer one of the stories

Joseph Mahtab is a pioneer in the establishment of social development and human rights in Bangladesh. He is not only a social activist, but also has experience working in international organizations and is playing an important role in the welfare of humanity.

He has played a leading role in various social activities including preventing child marriage, ending violence against children and women, establishing human rights and justice, and raising awareness on safe internet use. People like Joseph Mahtab are true guides of society. His contribution to establishing human rights and social development is undoubtedly commendable. Issues like preventing child marriage, ending violence against children and women, and establishing justice are very important not only for the development of a country, but also for the overall progress of humanity. His work on modern issues like raising awareness on safe internet use also proves that he is active in solving timely problems.

Joseph Mahtab has been working tirelessly to advance the social development of Bangladesh through his skills and experience working in international organizations. In recognition of his contribution, he has also won international awards. His work is not limited to Bangladesh, but he is also appreciated in the international arena. In recognition of his unique work, he has received various awards from international organizations and has been named a global changemaker. He was selected as a YouthLead Ambassador as one of the 22 changemakers selected from about 1,500 applicants worldwide.

He holds a degree in Business Administration and a higher degree in Human Rights and Social Justice from Jagannath University.

And is studying for a higher degree in disaster management at Bangladesh Open University. His educational and professional experience has made him skilled enough to work at the policy-making level. Joseph Mahtab has worked in international organizations like VSO, USAID, YouthLead. He also has experience working in domestic and foreign organizations.

Child marriage is a serious problem in Bangladesh. Joseph Mahtab has created public awareness against this social evil. He has made teenage girls and their guardians aware of the harmful aspects of child marriage. He has conducted various awareness programs and training activities across the country to stop child marriage and violence against women. Joseph Mahtab has won an international award from Great Britain in recognition.

With the spread of technology, the number of crimes in the digital world is also increasing. Joseph Mahtab speaks out against online sexual harassment and conducts various activities to ensure safe internet use for young people. He raises awareness about digital security and cybercrime by visiting schools, colleges and universities. He works on cyber security of women and children and prevention of cyber sexual harassment. He conducts various activities to provide mental strength to women victims of cyber harassment and to raise awareness. In addition, he provides advice on how to get legal help if you are a victim of cybercrime.

Far-reaching and realistic thinking in environmental conservation, climate change mitigation, mangrove afforestation, and coastal zone protection.

A dedicated environmentalist, Joseph Mahtab has been working for a long time to protect the environment and combat the adverse effects of climate change. In particular, he has conducted extensive awareness programs on mangrove afforestation and coastal afforestation. The importance of mangrove trees in protecting coastal areas and preserving biodiversity is immense. To highlight this issue to the general public, he is conducting awareness meetings and tree plantation programs with local schools, colleges, farmers and fishermen. He is motivating the local coastal community to become aware of the need to plant mangroves and coastal trees and to actively participate in the creation of afforestation. In addition, he has drawn the attention of policymakers by conducting research, writing and campaigning on the increasing risks in coastal areas due to climate change. The projects led by him have planted thousands of saplings in different areas of coastal districts, which are playing an important role in preventing soil erosion, protecting against storm surges and maintaining the balance of the ecosystem.

He has made several important proposals and called upon the Chief Advisor to the Government on the issues of mangrove afforestation and coastal zone conservation and mangrove afforestation initiatives in rivers, canals and ecoparks of coastal districts at the level of advisor and secretary. Joseph Mahtab’s tireless efforts will not only help in protecting the environment, but also help in paving the way for the livelihood and sustainable development of the local people. His initiative will play an important role in the fight against climate change and building a safe and green world for future generations.

Believing that the progress of the country is not possible without the development of the youth, he and his organization, in collaboration with the Department of Youth Development, have conducted various training programs for youth in livelihood. His initiative in creating entrepreneurs has been praised, which is helping the youth to become financially independent. Already, members of their organization and several hundred young people have taken computer training, poultry farming, cattle farming and driving training. In addition, he has proposed to the high level of the government to establish an independent youth bank, which will help young entrepreneurs provide loans on easy terms and build startups.

Considering the food and nutritional security of families in coastal regions due to climate change, they are providing financial assistance to farmers for field preparation, seed planting, field maintenance, etc., in cooperation with marginal farmers to produce various types of crops.

Joseph Mahtab’s letter to the government’s policy-making forum.

Joseph Mahtab has called on the Ministry of Education to include the Constitution and Volunteerism in textbooks. He believes, “Including the Bangladesh Constitution in secondary and higher secondary level textbooks is very important to improve moral education and awareness of the future generations of the country. Basic knowledge about the Constitution will help students respect their civil rights, responsibilities and laws. The Constitution is the fundamental law of a country, which provides an idea of ​​the rights, responsibilities and state structure of citizens. Basic knowledge about the Constitution among students will help them respect democratic values ​​and laws. The Constitution is considered a compulsory subject in many countries of the world.”

He has written to the government emphasizing the importance of incorporating volunteerism into the curriculum to develop a sense of social responsibility, leadership, and cooperation among students. In addition, he regularly writes letters to public representatives, field administrations, and the government about various civic issues of citizens, and sometimes posts open letters on social media.

In September 2017, Joseph Mahtab, one of the founders of the People’s Voice of Amtali – PVA, established a group of dreamy youth of Amtali Upazila in an attempt to highlight the problems and potential of the upazila through information technology by using social media and information technology. The aim of establishing PVA was to take effective initiatives to solve local problems and build bridges between the people and public representatives, government and policy makers and improve the quality of services. Following the activities of PVA, Kenya and Andhra Pradesh, India have continued their activities. In addition, Joseph Mahtab has served as the elected president of the Bangladesh chapter of the Nation Youth Engagement Network- NYEN.

Joseph Mahtab and his work are not limited to specific issues and geographical locations. He is playing an active role in solving social problems, establishing human rights, youth development, environmental protection and policy making worldwide. It is expected that his leadership and enthusiasm will further accelerate the social development of Bangladesh. As a social reformer, Joseph Mahtab does not just dream, but works tirelessly to realize that dream. The young society of the country and the next generation can take inspiration from him and move forward on the path shown by him.