Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) hosted its annual ‘Running with Purpose 2026’ in Dhaka, uniting 1,500 runners under the banner ‘Healthy Youth, Stronger Nation’ and reaffirming its commitment to youth empowerment and national wellbeing.

The citywide event promoted physical wellbeing and raised awareness of environmental challenges, including air pollution, according to a press release.

For the first time, the event featured two race categories—7.5km and 15km—catering to participants across a range of fitness levels.

Students, professionals, and community leaders participated, reflecting a shared commitment to health, sustainability, and active citizenship. The initiative aligned with UN Sustainable Development Goal 11, the release noted.

State Minister for Primary and Mass Education and Dhaka-13 MP Bobby Hajjaj, and Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Bangladesh, Joris van Bommel, attended the event.

‘I commend BYLC on this timely initiative to promote mental and physical fitness among youth, who are the biggest drivers of change in Bangladesh,’ said State Minister Hajjaj.

Ambassador van Bommel stated, ‘Getting up at 4am and arriving at 4:30am to start a run at 5am shows discipline and commitment. This is the kind of spirit that will take Bangladesh forward. I am proud to support this event.’

BYLC founder and executive chairperson Ejaj Ahmad stated that since 2018, the initiative has promoted leadership among young people who are physically and mentally fit.

‘Thank you to every runner who joined us,’ he added.

BYLC executive director Tahsinah Ahmed said ‘Running with Purpose’ is about more than fitness.

‘It is a statement that Bangladesh’s youth are ready to lead with discipline, purpose, and resolve,’ she said.

The event was supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands.

Private sector partners included Indulge (food partner), FUEL (hydration partner), Praava Health (on-site medical support), Elite Force (security), Jamuna TV and The Business Standard (media partners), Upsight Bangladesh (documentation partner), and Igloo (cooling partner).

The event concluded with a finisher medal ceremony for participants who completed the race within the cut-off time.