Youth engagement for a democratic future in Bangladesh

Bangladesh is experiencing a significant political transition, propelled by dynamic youth-led movements. Bangladeshi youth movements played a critical role in bringing about this transition, driven by profound concerns for their social, economic and political future. However, young people remain largely underrepresented and marginalized within civic and policy spheres. What limited data exists on Bangladeshi youth is fragmented and predominantly focused on urban areas. The data fails to capture their diverse realities, aspirations, states of psychological wellbeing, and the profound inequalities among youth, defined by geography, gender, class and education. This evidence gap, coupled with longstanding social and political barriers, is preventing youth from playing a leadership role in this transition.

This project leverages participatory methods to address evidence gaps and strengthen youth representation during this democratic opportunity in Bangladesh. The research methodology emphasizes participatory, intersectional and community-embedded approaches, positioning youth as co-creators of knowledge. A national youth survey will capture democratic visions and perceptions of youth in Bangladesh, while workshops and collaborative civic platforms will strengthen the capacity of youth groups with regard to research and civic engagement. Upon completion, the project will produce a comprehensive “State of Youth in Bangladesh” report, a robust youth leadership training pipeline and youth-driven civic platforms to strengthen democratic participation of youth from underrepresented groups in Bangladesh. Collectively, these efforts will underpin a policy agenda and plan for civic engagement by youth, to act on their visions for a democratic future in Bangladesh.

The Power and Participation Research Centre in Bangladesh will lead research on the political participation of youth in Bangladesh. Additional research will integrate a focus on democratic governance and Indigenous Peoples' youth groups in Bangladesh.