The Power and Participation Research Centre (PPRC), with support from the International Development Research Centre (IDRC), convened a national dialogue titled “Youth Perspectives on Social Progress: Grassroots, Networks, and Leadership Voices” at InterContinental Dhaka, bringing together youth representatives, policymakers, academics, and development partners to reflect on the role of young people in shaping Bangladesh’s democratic and social future. Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud, Advisor, Ministry of Planning, attended as Chief Guest, while Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman, Executive Chairman of PPRC, led the proceedings and presented the initiative Meaningful Youth Engagement for a Democratic Future of Bangladesh.

The Inaugural Session featured intergenerational reflections from Professor Syed M. Hashemi, Mr. Altaf Parvez, Ms. Nishat Majumdar, Ms. Nazifa Jannat, and Ms. Umama Zillur, followed by a panel on Pathways of Youth Engagement with Ms. Farah Kabir, Country Director, ActionAid Bangladesh; Mr. Tanim Noor, filmmaker and cultural entrepreneur; and Mr. M. M. Fazlul Haque Arif, representing the National Scout Movement.

Thematic youth dialogues – Aspirations and Pathways, Barriers and Challenges, Inclusion, and Agency – were opened by SM Shaikat, Md Sabuktagin Shovon, Ruhul Amin, and Audrika Eshna Purbasha, and moderated respectively by Syed M. Hashemi, Mohammad Abdul Wazed, Mohammad Mainul Islam and Sumaiya Tasnim Rosama under the overall facilitation of Dr. Rahman.

The day concluded with the IPSP Global Social Progress Week Youth Panel featuring Aonkita Dey, Bhuiyan M. Asaduzzaman, Namira Shameem, and Shamir Shehab, connecting Bangladesh’s youth dialogue to global conversations on justice, democracy, and sustainability.

Reflecting on the discussions, Dr. Hossain Zillur Rahman emphasized the importance of understanding youth diversity and context, noting that “youth are not a monolithic group – they differ by age, socio-economic background, gender, and experience. To truly empower them, we must understand these differences and respond to the distinct needs of each group.”

Professor Wahiduddin Mahmud underlined the role of mentorship and constructive direction, stating that “young people have the desire to serve their country but often lack guidance. The seniors must help show the way so that this energy transforms into meaningful national contribution.”

The convening reaffirmed that meaningful youth engagement is not an isolated agenda but central to Bangladesh’s democratic and developmental future. The insights gathered will inform the next phase of PPRC’s Meaningful Youth Engagement initiative -advancing evidence, dialogue, and action to strengthen youth leadership in governance and social progress.

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