The July movement, which started with protests against discrimination in the public service quota system, evolved into a broader call for structural reforms in Bangladesh’s economic and social frameworks. The two-day “Youth Policy Summit 2024,” organized by Youth for Policy and IID, kicked off on December 21 at Bangla Academy, Dhaka, with an inaugural panel discussion focused on building inclusive educational and economic systems for youth.
The Youth Policy Summit 2024 brought together 400 youth representatives, policymakers, civil society leaders, and experts from across the country for interactive workshops and dialogues. These sessions were designed to foster intergenerational collaboration and to empower youth participation in pre-election reform efforts under the interim government. In his Chief Guest’s Address, Mostofa Sarwar Farooki, Adviser to the Ministry of Cultural Affairs, emphasized the importance of unity and cultural coherence. He stated, “Culture can divide, and culture can also unify us. The July movement exemplifies how discontent with systemic inequities can drive meaningful unity against tyranny. It’s time to institutionalize lasting change by combining cultural and policy initiatives.” Farooki also announced several initiatives to document the movement’s legacy, including local filmmaking projects and a digital oral archive that will feature 100,000 video testimonies.
Among the insightful contributions from the panelists, Head of the consultation committee on quality improvement of primary and non-formal education, Professor Manzoor Ahmed highlighted the need for a permanent Education Reform Commission, stating, “Our education system, which is meant to be an agent of transformation, perpetuates inequities among different socio-economic groups in Bangladesh. We urgently need a permanent Education Reform Commission to address these issues and bridge the existing gaps.”
Dr. Fahmida Khatun, Director of CPD and a member of the Economic Strategy Redesign and Resource Mobilization Taskforce spoke about the superficial nature of the country’s economic growth, emphasizing, “Our economic growth remains superficial, benefiting numbers, not people. The July movement exposed systemic flaws that demand structural reforms and diversified job creation.” Sumaiya Islam, from the Women’s Reform Commission, pointed out the continued sidelining of women’s rights in power transitions, asserting, “Women have played critical roles in every major movement, yet their rights remain sidelined. Gender-sensitive reforms must be prioritized.”
Tony Michael Gomez, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Advocacy, and Communications at CARE Bangladesh, stressed the importance of education that empowers individuals, stating, “Education should empower individuals to question, innovate, and lead. Our youth must be equipped with critical thinking and digital literacy to thrive in a globalized world.”
Reflecting on the movement’s origins and progress, Nazmul Hasan, Coordinator of the Anti-Discrimination Movement, remarked, “Our journey began with a demand for equitable reforms, not the abolition of quotas. Today, we stand for a meritocratic and inclusive Bangladesh, free from political influence and economic disparity.”
Moderated by Syeed Ahamed, CEO of IID, the opening session set an inspiring tone for the summit. The discussion concluded with promises to deliver actionable outcomes by addressing structural challenges and prioritizing inclusive reforms, ultimately aiming to empower youth to shape policies that foster equity, innovation, and sustainable progress for Bangladesh’s future.
