Youth Yearns for Reform: Survey Unveils Aspirations and Concerns
The entrepreneurial spirit is growing among Bangladeshi youth, as 52.5% of participants in a direct survey and 51.5% in an online poll expressed a desire to become entrepreneurs as their future profession.
This information was revealed on Monday, January 27, during a press conference at the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) headquarters, where the findings of the “Youth Matters Survey” were presented.
The survey, conducted by BYLC, aimed to understand the position, thoughts, and expectations of the youth in contemporary Bangladesh. Both direct and online surveys were utilized to gather opinions. A total of 1,575 youths participated in the direct survey, while 1,663 took part online. BYLC conducts this survey every five years, particularly before national elections, to gauge the youth’s priorities. The latest survey follows this tradition, reflecting the youth’s vision for a reformed Bangladesh in light of the upcoming 12th National Parliamentary Elections.
The survey, conducted across the country during October and November, sought opinions from youths on education, health, livelihood, climate change, justice, democracy, governance, and aspirations. The findings revealed both their aspirations and concerns.
According to the survey, 41.4% of direct respondents and 50.9% of online participants believe an interim government should remain in power for at least 1-3 years. This highlights the youth’s demand for state reform.
Regarding law and order, 20.9% of direct respondents and 54.4% of online participants expressed uncertainty about the current state of peace in Bangladesh. Additionally, 25.3% of direct respondents and 70% of online participants opined that women and girls do not feel safe in the country.
Education quality emerged as the highest priority for the youth. A staggering 71% of direct respondents and 86.4% of online participants agreed that student politics hinders an environment conducive to learning. Furthermore, 77.4% of direct respondents believe that Bangladesh’s education system provides necessary skills for employment, while 79.3% of online participants disagreed.
During the press conference, BYLC’s Executive Director, Tahsina Ahmed, stated, “The Youth Matters Survey serves as an evidence-based document for shaping the blueprint of tomorrow in line with the aspirations of the youth. This survey has shown us that in the changing context of the country, the youth demand reforms above all. They want corruption eradicated, nepotism eliminated, and citizens—especially women—to have guaranteed rights, safety, and dignity. They want a platform where they can speak freely without fear, engage in the country’s development process, and see capable and ethical leaders in politics.”
Research team members included Abul Khayer Sajib, Arafat Islam, Fazilatun Nesa, and Jesia Margaret Gomez.
The survey also highlighted economic and environmental concerns. A significant portion of the youth—75.1% from direct surveys and 64.8% from online surveys—identified rising living costs as detrimental to their mental and physical health. Meanwhile, climate change awareness has risen, with 55.1% of direct respondents and 73.1% of online participants reporting adverse effects of climate change on their lives.
Notably, 95.5% of direct respondents and 95.7% of online participants aged 18 and above expressed optimism about voting in the upcoming national elections.
