Young voices, policymakers and development experts on Wednesday called for inclusive leadership and stronger intergenerational partnerships to ensure that Bangladesh’s next generation plays a decisive role in shaping the country’s democratic and social future.
The call came at a national dialogue titled Youth Perspectives on Social Progress: Grassroots, Networks, and Leadership Voices organised by the Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC) with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) at Hotel InterContinental Dhaka.
PPRC Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman led the proceedings and presented the initiative Meaningful Youth Engagement for a Democratic Future of Bangladesh. Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud attended as chief guest.
The inaugural session featured intergenerational reflections from Syed M Hashemi, Altaf Parvez, Nishat Majumdar, Nazifa Jannat and Umama Zillur. It was followed by a panel discussion on pathways of youth engagement featuring ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farah Kabir, filmmaker and cultural entrepreneur Tanim Noor and National Scout Movement representative M M Fazlul Haque Arif.
Four thematic youth dialogues—Aspirations and Pathways, Barriers and Challenges, Inclusion, and Agency—were opened by SM Shaikat, Md Sabuktagin Shovon, Ruhul Amin and Audrika Eshna Purbasha, and moderated by Syed M Hashemi, Mohammad Abdul Wazed, Philip Gain and Sumaiya Tasnim Rosama under Rahman’s overall facilitation.
The day concluded with the IPSP Global Social Progress Week Youth Panel, connecting the dialogue to global discussions on democracy, justice and sustainability. Speakers included Aonkita Dey, Bhuiyan M Asaduzzaman, Namira Shameem and Shamir Shehab.
Reflecting on the discussions, PPRC Executive Chairman Hossain Zillur Rahman said youth are not a monolithic group, adding, “They differ by age, socio-economic background, gender and experience. To truly empower them, we must understand these differences and respond to their distinct needs.”
Planning Adviser Wahiduddin Mahmud said young people have the desire to serve their country but often lack guidance. “The seniors must help show the way so that this energy transforms into meaningful national contribution,” he added.
The convening reaffirmed that meaningful youth engagement is central to Bangladesh’s democratic and developmental future. The insights gathered will guide the next phase of PPRC’s Meaningful Youth Engagement initiative, advancing evidence, dialogue and action to strengthen youth leadership in governance and social progress.
