Studies

This research analyses the evolving youth-led civil society landscape in Bangladesh amid 2024’s political shifts.. It examines how youth-led movements of the past and current youth-led civil society organisations shape governance, having legal and institutional structures, digital activism, and intersectional representation. The study explores opportunities, challenges, and risks for sustaining youth-led civil society in the past, current, and post-uprising contexts.

Researchers: Maheen Sultan; Aishwarya Sanjukta Roy Proma; Saklain Al Mamun; Sumaiya Tasnim; Taslima Akter

Partner: Porticus

Timeline: 2024-2025

Status: Ongoing

Contact: Maheen Sultan; maheen.sultan@bracu.ac.bd

Context 

In 2024, youth-led student movements in Bangladesh toppled the Sheikh Hasina government, ushering in an interim government led by Dr. Muhammad Yunus. This study examines the role of youth in shaping governance through strategies like digital activism, addressing challenges in the post-uprising context, and focusing on intersectional issues such as gender, ethnicity, and socio-economic disparities.

Methodology

This study employs a mixed-methods approach to analyze Bangladesh’s youth-led civil society landscape. Quantitative data collection include developing a sampling frame from district level youth organisations, youth-led civil society organisations responding to social media outreach and prominent, nationally recognised youth-led organisations. Qualitative data collection include conducting key informant interviews, in-depth interviews, and focus group discussions with stakeholders, and holding consultations/workshops with youth leaders and civil society actors to discuss the status and potential of the youth movement.

Findings and Recommendations

Policy Brief
Report