Bangladesh Survey : More than 95% optimistic about voting in upcoming elections.

Survey: Youth optimistic about interim government, want government's term to be extended
Read in Bangla here 👉: বাংলায় পড়তে এখানে ক্লিক করুন

• Almost half of respondents believe interim government will remain in power for 1-3 years
• More than 95% optimistic about voting in upcoming elections

The youth of Bangladesh have voiced their optimism about the interim government led by Professor Dr. Muhammad Yunus, as revealed in the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center’s (BYLC) latest Youth Matters Survey. With over 3,200 participants aged 16-35, the findings provide a comprehensive view of young people’s priorities, concerns, and aspirations for the nation.

Support for the Interim Government

A significant portion of respondents supported the government’s continuation, with 41.4% of in-person and 50.9% of online participants advocating for its tenure to extend for one to three years. This reflects growing faith in the leadership’s potential to implement meaningful reforms.

Priority Issues

The survey explored diverse topics, including education, healthcare, justice, and climate change. Here are some notable takeaways:

• Education: Over 70% of respondents believe that student politics disrupts learning, and opinions were divided on whether the education system adequately prepares students for employment.
• Climate Change: Awareness is rising, with over half of in-person and 73.1% of online respondents recognizing its adverse effects.
• Women’s Safety: Alarmingly, 25.3% of in-person and 70% of online respondents felt the country has failed to ensure women’s safety.
• Entrepreneurship: Around 52% of participants expressed strong interest in pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
• Cost of Living: A majority highlighted the rising cost of living as a critical concern impacting mental and physical health.

Voting and Governance

Optimism about electoral participation was evident, with 95% of respondents willing to vote in the upcoming elections. Additionally, most youths called for impartial law enforcement and a crackdown on corruption and nepotism to ensure good governance.

Challenges and Aspirations

While 47.8% of online respondents considered relocating abroad, the majority expressed a willingness to return if positive changes occur. Youth also emphasized the need for free expression and opportunities to contribute to national development.

BYLC’s Role and Recommendations

BYLC Executive Director Tahsinah Ahmed highlighted the need for evidence-based reforms aligned with youth priorities. She stressed ending corruption, ensuring women’s safety, and fostering a conducive environment for free speech as essential goals. BYLC’s programs, integrating soft skills like problem-solving and public speaking, aim to bridge gaps in employment readiness.

Conclusion

The Youth Matters Survey underscores the transformative potential of Bangladesh’s youth in shaping the nation’s future. With their focus on education, governance, and equality, the young generation is poised to drive meaningful reforms under the interim government’s leadership. By addressing their concerns, the government and institutions can harness this optimism to build a brighter tomorrow.