Nestled in the Jatrapur Union of Bagerhat Sadar Upazila lies Kodla Math, an ancient religious and cultural structure. Once a proud symbol of local heritage and history, this nearly century-old monument had long been neglected—abandoned to time, overgrown with shrubs, its walls cracked, bricks collapsing, and steadily vanishing from public memory. Though many locals were aware of its historical and tourism value, no visible action had been taken to preserve or restore it.
This began to change through the SUSHIL Project, jointly implemented by ActionAid Bangladesh and led by the Bangladesh Institute of Journalism and Electronic Media (BIJEM). Under this initiative, young people were trained in op-ed writing, podcast production, and, most importantly, in raising local issues to the national spotlight. The training gave rise to a cohort of empowered citizen journalists, who now use facts, images, and videos to boldly present pressing local concerns.
One such trained youth was Israfill Sardar, who took it upon himself to highlight the deteriorating condition of Kodla Math. Using only his mobile phone, he captured the current state of the site through video and photos and produced a powerful awareness video, featuring the historical significance of the structure and the urgent need for its preservation. Israfill shared the video on several social media platforms including Praner Bagerhat, the BIJEM training group, and others. The content quickly went viral, drawing attention from hundreds of viewers. People began commenting and sharing the post, collectively demanding restoration from the authorities. This digital momentum reached the local administration, which soon conducted an on-site visit.
Shortly afterward, restoration efforts officially began. The conversation around Kodla Math grew stronger—sparking public awareness, a sense of responsibility, and community involvement. Locals who had once remained silent now actively joined efforts to save the monument. Thanks to a single video content, a century-old structure was rescued from the verge of destruction. With restoration underway, Kodla Math now stands as both a preserved historical site and a revitalized tourist attraction, contributing to Bagerhat’s rich cultural identity and growing tourism industry.
The entire episode underlines a critical lesson: when given training and opportunity, even an ordinary young person can initiate extraordinary social change. The “Capacity Building of Young Op-ed Writers, Video Content Creators, and Youth Organizers” component of the SUSHIL Project is not merely a training activity, it is a platform for real, effective, and impactful civic engagement.
Through this initiative, youth are not only learning how to produce fact-based digital content but also taking ownership of their community’s challenges and stepping up to create change.
This collaboration between ActionAid Bangladesh and BIJEM under the SUSHIL Project has sparked an inspiring narrative—one where information, technology, and accountability converge to bring about tangible, positive transformation in society. The revival of Kodla Math is a shining example of what empowered youth can achieve when given the right tools and voice.
