A nationwide survey of Bangladeshi youth leaders has identified unemployment, skills shortages, mental stress, digital addiction and limited participation in policymaking as the most pressing challenges facing the country’s young people, according to findings released to mark International Youth Day 2026. The survey, titled “Problems Facing Bangladesh’s Youth and Possible Solutions,” was jointly conducted by Swapnopuri Kallyan Sangstha and Bangladesh Co-Creation, drawing responses from students, youth organisers, volunteers, and representatives of social and development initiatives across the country, the organisers said in a press release.
Analysis of the responses showed that while the nature of the problems varied, a common thread ran through most young people’s experiences: a lack not of potential, but of the opportunities, skills, guidance and avenues for participation needed to develop it.
Unemployment emerged as the single biggest concern among respondents. FFCRJ member Abu Hurayra Sheikh and Nabajagaran Chhatra Sangha General Secretary Md Mohibullah said many young people remained unable to secure suitable employment even after completing their education, adding that the issue reflected not merely a shortage of jobs but a mismatch between labour market demands and the skills young people bring to it, leaving a segment of educated youth unemployed or underemployed for extended periods.
Several respondents pointed to shortcomings in the education system itself. Kaunik Debnath, Director of Programs and Operations at Ankora, said many young people held multiple academic qualifications yet still lacked adequate communication skills, technological knowledge, problem-solving ability and workplace presentation skills. Tanjela Akter Ema, Volunteer Coordinator at Bengal Peace Foundation, cited a shortage of practical experience and career guidance, a view echoed by Daffodil International University student Nandita Rani Pal, Udarata Youth Foundation President Md Zubayer Ahmed, and Changemakers United founder Ahmad Sayeed, who said digital skills, English-language proficiency, information technology, artificial intelligence and practical work experience were becoming increasingly essential alongside academic qualifications.
Sadia Tabassum, a student at Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College, said many students spent years studying without gaining sufficient exposure to workplace realities. Md Abdullah Al Mamun Khan, Chief Executive Officer of IVDS Foundation, and OAB Foundation volunteer Dhruv Chowdhury called for expanded opportunities in practical learning, internships, apprenticeships and employment-oriented training, along with stronger links between educational institutions and industry.
The survey also flagged mental health as a significant concern. Saleha K, a member of Disable Welfare Society Bangladesh, pointed to rising frustration and depression among young people, while Rabiul Islam, Organising Secretary of Gabura Welfare Society, attributed this to uncertainty about the future, low confidence and inadequate guidance. Geo Avengers representative Sanjida Sumaiya Suchona said many young people grew frustrated at the lack of guaranteed outcomes despite years of education and skills development, with global economic uncertainty, inflation, climate change, political instability and conflict adding to the strain.
Participants also raised concerns over excessive use of digital technology, online gambling and casino-style gaming. Md Shariful Islam Ovi, founding director of Islamic Society Sangha Burimari, highlighted mobile phone misuse and drug addiction, while Ayesha Khatun Asha, Community Facilitator at Youth for Change, said excessive phone use was contributing to declining concentration, wasted time and social isolation. Md Golam Momin, a student at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, described online gambling and betting as growing threats, driven by the appeal of quick money.
Md Riazul Islam, a volunteer at OAB Foundation, noted a decline in reading habits among young people, which he said played a key role in building critical thinking, creativity and values, while other respondents pointed to falling engagement in social and voluntary activities. Iti, Programme Officer at Ankora, said many young people lacked clear goals, complicating decision-making, while Adel Hossain, General Secretary of Swadhin Blood Bank, said fear of failure often led young people to abandon new pursuits before starting or shortly after, underscoring the need for greater patience and consistency.
On participation, Zaki Mujahidul Islam, founder and executive director of Fridays for Rights, identified a lack of youth empowerment as a fundamental issue, while Saifullah Bin Rafiq Chowdhury, Finance Coordinator at Rise Up, said young people’s involvement in policymaking and decision-making remained limited, leaving many initiatives poorly aligned with their actual needs.
Aman Ullah, adviser to Dwipanchal Foundation, raised what he described as a “transit mentality” taking hold among young people, whereby many could no longer envisage a future in Bangladesh and increasingly viewed migration as the primary path to success, a trend he warned could weaken long-term engagement in local problem-solving and community development. He proposed a “Local Stake Initiative” to involve young people as partners in local development projects.
The organisers said the responses collectively pointed to the need for skills-based education, technical and digital training, internships, career counselling, mentorship, entrepreneurship support, easier access to finance, mental health services and greater civic engagement, adding that young people should be regarded not merely as beneficiaries of development but as partners in shaping it.
