Dhaka, Bangladesh – A high-level policy dialogue titled “National Youth Townhall” was held at BRAC Centre Inn, Dhaka, bringing together prominent political leaders, civil society representatives, and young citizens from across the country to discuss the future of Bangladesh’s youth and formally present the Youth Manifesto 2026.
The event was organized by Reflective Teens Trust, supported by The Asia Foundation, and funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).
Throughout the discussion, speakers repeatedly returned to one central concern: politics is becoming increasingly disconnected from the realities of young people. They spoke about the growing pressure, harassment, and digital abuse faced by youth – especially young women – and described the mental health crisis as a silent emergency that remains largely unaddressed. The conversation also focused on an education system that produces degrees but not skills, and on how the erosion of merit-based opportunities is fueling frustration and distrust. Several speakers warned that young people are no longer moved by slogans or symbolic gestures, and that unless politics shifts toward real accountability, practical reform, and leaders who are present in the field, the gap between citizens and the state will continue to widen.
The Townhall was attended by Mahmudur Rahman Manna (President, Nagorik Oikya), Dr. SM Khaliduzzaman (President, National Doctors Forum & Parliamentary Candidate, Dhaka-17), Samantha Sharmin (Senior Joint Convener, NCP), Hasan Al Mamun (General Secretary, Gono Odhikar Parishad), Ali Ahsan Zonaed (Convener, UP Bangladesh), Barrister Shahedul Azam (Organizing Secretary, National Democratic Movement) and alongside a large number of young participants from different backgrounds. The town hall was convened by Yusuf Munna, Executive Director of Reflective Teens Trust, bringing together diverse voices for dialogue and engagement.
A significant number of youth participants were present in the hall and actively engaged in the discussion, questioning the political leaders on issues of governance, education, employment, political reform, and the future direction of the country.
The Youth Manifesto 2026, prepared by Reflective Teens Trust through nationwide consultations, presents a five-year reform roadmap (2026–2031) structured across three phases: 0–100 days, 0–2 years, and 0–5 years.
The manifesto identifies five major crisis clusters:
- Gender & Society
- Education & Employment
- Youth & Politics
- Technology
- Environment & Health
It proposes concrete reforms including Youth Advisory Councils, participatory budgeting, a Youth Confidence Index, merit-based recruitment reforms, mental health integration into public services, campus depoliticization, and digital rights and AI governance frameworks.
The Townhall concluded with a call on all political parties and electoral candidates to engage seriously with the Youth Manifesto and recognize young people not as a vote bank, but as partners in nation-building.
As Bangladesh moves toward a crucial national election, the National Youth Townhall marked an important step in bringing youth voices into the center of national policy and democratic debate.
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