SDGPainting Justice on the Walls – Youth in Haripur Raise Voices for Village Courts

SDG Painting Justice on the Walls – Youth in Haripur Raise Voices for Village Courts

In the quiet, rural stretch of Haripur Upazila in Thakurgaon, a group of 30 spirited young changemakers is transforming community awareness through brushes and bold slogans. Led by Md. Shakil Khan, the Haripur Upazila Youth Forum comprises 17 female and 13 male volunteers from six Union Parishads. Many are students, but beyond textbooks, they’re learning—and teaching—something more powerful: justice.

Since the Activating Village Courts in Bangladesh Phase III Project began in Haripur in September 2023, these youth have taken it upon themselves to inform their neighbors about an often-overlooked legal resource—the Village Courts. Inspired by community engagement sessions, the group decided to promote the court system in a way that everyone could see and understand.

Armed with paint and purpose, they began writing Village Court awareness slogans on the walls of union parishad buildings and bustling local markets. They received no funding, no rewards—just recognition and heartfelt appreciation from the Upazila Nirbahi Officer and community members alike. Their creative, low-cost campaign is now visible in three unions and counting.

The result? More people—especially from marginalized groups—are now aware of their right to local justice. Village Courts are seeing increased inquiries, and the youth feel more empowered than ever.

“We believe that ensuring justice at the local level is a responsibility of every conscious citizen. Through awareness and action, we want to bring Village Court services to every corner of our community,” says Shakil Khan.

From paint cans to public service, the Haripur Upazila Youth Forum has proven that local action can drive national change—one wall at a time.