Ai Driven WhatsApp Bot: ‘The Rise of 51’ Drives Women and Youth into Democratic Participation

To ensure greater participation of women and youth in Bangladesh’s democratic process, Ekannor Jagoron (“The Rise of 51”) has prioritized increasing women’s political engagement, raising awareness among first-time voters, and integrating marginalized communities into the democratic mainstream. Under this initiative, 600 young leaders across eight divisions have already received training, while citizen awareness sessions for 7,000 young men and women are underway.

Additionally, an AI-powered civic education WhatsApp bot has been launched to provide easy access to voter information and learning support. The initiative falls under the AHEAD Bangladesh Project, implemented with the support of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD).

These details were shared at a meeting held on Wednesday, November 12, at La Vista Hall of Hotel Lakeshore Grand in Gulshan, Dhaka. Representatives from political parties, government institutions, and development partners were present at the event. Funded by the European Union (EU) and organized by Jago Foundation Trust, the campaign highlights the 51 percent of Bangladesh’s population who are women. The main objective of the initiative is to enhance civic awareness, develop leadership capacity, and ensure inclusive and active participation of women and youth in the democratic process.

The campaign’s emphasis remains on increasing women’s political participation, sensitizing first-time voters, and empowering marginalized communities. The ongoing citizen education sessions and the newly launched AI-driven WhatsApp bot aim to make civic knowledge more accessible and engaging.

During the panel discussion titled “Challenges and Prospects of Inclusive, Accountable, and Modern Political Participation in Bangladesh,” eminent speakers shared valuable insights.

Anastasia S. Wibawa, representative of the European Partnership for Democracy (EPD), stated, “Democracy flourishes when every citizen feels visible and represented. The AHEAD Bangladesh Project and ‘The Rise of 51’ campaign are efforts to ensure civic knowledge and confidence among youth and women.”

Mahrukh Mohiuddin, Managing Director of University Press Limited (UPL), observed, “The limited presence of women in internal party structures and the lack of awareness at the voter level require political parties to include women in decision-making. Simultaneously, the Election Commission and civil society must take effective measures to raise awareness about women’s voting rights.”

Participating as a first-time voter and youth representative, Junayra Islam Nuba highlighted the issue of declining trust in political parties. She said, “To rebuild trust, parties must reform their structures and mindsets. We want youth-friendly political organizations that listen to us and ensure our participation in decision-making.”

Kamrul Kibria Ayon, Senior Program Manager of Jaago Foundation Trust, remarked, “‘The Rise of 51’ is a movement to strengthen the foundation of democracy through the collective participation of women and youth. Our goal is to awaken the 51 percent of the nation—women and young people—to their voting rights and leadership potential. To build an inclusive and accountable Bangladesh, everyone must contribute from their respective positions. Political parties need structural reforms, first-time voters must be inspired, and awareness and engagement should be promoted across all levels of society, regardless of gender.”

DBTech/AA/MUIM/OR