By Md. Israfil Bhuiyan
The youth community in Bangladesh plays a highly significant role in various social, political, and economic changes. The youth of any country is a valuable asset, and the youth of Bangladesh has made a glorious contribution to all its struggles, movements, and progress. From the great Language Movement to the Liberation War, the youth have not hesitated to sacrifice their lives in the establishment of democracy and have been tirelessly engaged in the struggle for economic freedom. Even during the global COVID-19 pandemic, the enthusiasm and drive of our youth kept our economic progress moving forward.
National development and progress largely depend on the active participation of the youth. The intelligence, creativity, courage, and talent of the youth shape the economic, social, and cultural environment of a nation. Like other countries, the youth of Bangladesh are the future leaders of the nation. The most promising and productive segment of the population, which is responsible for decision-making and policy formulation, is the youth group. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, through the Department of Youth Development, is making continuous efforts to transform the disorganized, job-seeking youth into a well-organized, disciplined, and productive force. According to the National Youth Policy, the population of Bangladesh aged 18 to 35 is considered the youth, and this age group constitutes one-third of the country’s total population, approximately 5.3 million people. The involvement of the youth community is crucial for the development of the country in terms of both workforce supply and numbers.
The nature of youth involvement in Bangladesh’s democratic resilience and political progress has not been simple or smooth; it has gone through political rise and fall. The youth of Bangladesh have a long history of working alongside mainstream political parties to advance the nation and establish democracy. The activities of the youth in the 1950s and 1960s were significant, consistent, and extraordinary compared to other parts of the world. However, the nature of their involvement in democratic movements has been observed in three different phases: from 1947 to 1971, youth involvement had a nationalist nature; from 1971 to 1990, it was resistance-oriented; and from 1990 to the present, it has been opportunistic.
In shaping national identity, the youth have been the heroes of Bangladesh’s national narrative, and their patriotism and dedication to the nation serve as sources of pride and honor (Christiansen, 2013). From 1947 to 1971, the activities of the youth in Bangladeshi politics were based on the nationalist movement, and their sacrifices were for the entire nation, not just a specific political party. During the popular uprising against Ayub Khan’s military dictatorship in 1969 and the 1971 Liberation War, the youth shifted from protests to taking military training and ultimately helped Bangladesh achieve independence.
Before 1990, the youth fought against autocratic rule and for independence, a struggle marked by resistance and sacrifice. A significant example of popular youth uprising is the “Road Safety Movement,” also known as the “August Student Movement” of 2018, which was unlike any previous student movement. This movement compelled policymakers to reconsider the “Road Transport Act.” The youth were able to play an active role in national crises without being part of any political party or social-political agent.
Quota systems are generally seen as positive discrimination, and in Bangladesh, 56% of government jobs were reserved for quotas, while 44% were for general candidates. General candidates argued that after 50 years of independence, such a large quota was no longer justified and needed reform. In July 2018, this demand took the form of a united collective call against the structure, ultimately resulting in the abolition of quotas in government jobs (The Independent, 2018). The role of youth in the July 2024 revolution was crucial and decisive. Youth often rise in such situations when they seek change, participating directly in protests and movements. During the July 2024 revolution, the youth raised their voices against exploitation, discrimination, and oppressive governance, playing an essential role in bringing about broader societal change.
Bangladesh is currently enjoying its primary youth demographic. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), approximately 17% of the total population (ages 15-24) is youth (BBS, 2018). The National Youth Policy 2017 estimates that the youth population (ages 18-35) makes up more than 33% of the total population (BBS, 2015). Therefore, Bangladesh could become stronger if the ideas and insights of this vast population were utilized. However, a significant challenge for the youth is their involvement in terrorism and violent extremism, as well as drug addiction, particularly among those aged 18-25. We must remain vigilant about this and create policies to engage the youth in more productive activities.
Bangladesh is committed to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and transforming into a developed and smart Bangladesh by 2041. However, this requires focusing on employment. In conclusion, Bangladesh has a vast youth community, and it is essential to engage this community in the development of the country and the nation. The progressive mindset and spirit of independence embodied by the youth, along with the glorious history they have created, will continue to shape the future of the country, ensuring that the youth will continue to bring pride to their families and the nation.
The writer is a member of the Social Research Group (SRG) and an undergraduate student of Public Administration at Comilla University, Bangladesh. The article is a work in progress
