To prevent further bloodshed and ensure meaningful youth engagement, establishing a platform for youth participation is crucial in efforts to rebuild a discrimination-free Bangladesh, where the voices of young leaders can influence public policy.
Bangladesh’s youth have historically been pivotal during national crises, from the 1952 Language Movement to the 1971 Liberation War. This legacy of activism was reignited in 2024 by demands for reform in the government job quota system. What started as a focused movement on quota restructuring quickly evolved into a nationwide demand for equality, justice, and democratic freedom. Despite their central role in initiating change, young people’s voices are often sidelined once immediate crises pass. Recently, however, two leaders from the movement were appointed as advisors to the interim government, signaling a shift towards sustained youth involvement in democratic processes.
In response to the rising momentum of youth activism, Youth for Policy (YfP) convened a roundtable discussion on September 18, 2024, bringing together key voices from the movement.
During the discussion, it was emphasized that student council elections should be introduced in educational institutions, and a legal framework should be established for youth participation in politics. The discussants suggested that organizations like Youth for Policy should be encouraged to engage young people in public policy from the school level. To develop young leadership, co-curricular activities should be integrated into the main curriculum, creating opportunities for political participation, especially for youth from marginalized and minority groups.
The discussion highlighted the need for inclusive youth participation and a safe culture for all. To implement youth policy and develop leadership at the local level, we must work together with young people from all walks of life. The speakers demanded equality for all to build an equitable Bangladesh.
Among the speakers at the roundtable were Umama Fatema and Nazifa Jannat, coordinators of the anti-discrimination student movement; Mamun Abdullahil, member of the National Liaison Committee; Ashraf Uddin Mahdi and Arpita Shyama Dev, members of the National Citizens’ Committee; Syeed Ahmed, CEO of IID; and Sultana Mehjabin, Senior Assistant Director of IID and focal person of Youth for Policy. Firoz Chowdhury, Assistant Editor of Prothom Alo, moderated the discussion.
Among the Youth for Policy volunteers who spoke at the roundtable were Niloy Saha from Rajshahi, Nishat Aunjum and Shabnam Sultana from Dhaka, Abdullah Al Masud from Rangpur, Asif Iqbal from Barisal, Athina Chakma from Khagrachhari, and Rongthoing Mro and Eti Chowdhury from Bandarban. They mainly highlighted the steps that can be taken to address the various problems in their areas and to institutionalize the participation of young people from marginalized areas in national politics.
The discussion concluded with a strong call to action for all stakeholders to work together in implementing the proposed reforms for a more equitable future.
