Dhaka, Jan 27 (V7N) —Most of the country's youth have expressed optimism about the current interim government led by Professor Dr Muhammad Yunus, with many believing it should remain in power for at least one to three years.
A recent survey conducted by the Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center (BYLC) revealed that 41.4% of in-person respondents and 50.9% of online participants support the interim government's continued governance for this period.
The findings were unveiled on Monday, reflecting the aspirations of an energized youth amid the new government's tenure and renewed hope for national progress.
Abul Khayer Shajib presented the survey results at the BYLC office.
A total of 3,238 youths from across the country participated in the survey, including 1,575 in-person and 1,663 online respondents, between October and November.
While the government defines youth as individuals aged 18-35, this study expanded the age range to 16-35 years to better capture the country's unique demographic and socio-economic context.
The survey covered various topics, including education, healthcare, livelihoods, climate change, justice, governance, peace and order, access to information, and future aspirations.
Although participants from every division contributed to the survey, responses from the Dhaka division dominated both online and in-person categories.
Regarding peace and order, 20.9% of in-person respondents and 54.4% of online respondents expressed doubts, while 25.3% of in-person and 70% of online respondents felt that the country has failed to ensure women's safety.
Entrepreneurship emerged as a preferred career path, with 52.5% of in-person and 51.5% of online respondents showing a strong desire to pursue it.
Improving the quality of education remains a top priority for youth. Among the respondents, 71% of in-person and 86.4% of online participants believe that student politics obstructs a proper learning environment on campuses.
However, opinions were divided regarding the effectiveness of the education system in preparing students for employment—77.4% of in-person respondents believed it did, while 79.3% of online respondents disagreed.
The rising cost of living emerged as a significant concern, with 75.1% of in-person and 64.8% of online respondents highlighting its negative impact on their mental and physical health.
Awareness of climate change has also grown, with 55.1% of in-person and 73.1% of online respondents recognizing its adverse effects.
Optimism about voting in the upcoming election was high, with 95.5% of in-person and 95.7% of online respondents expressing their willingness to participate. In terms of communal harmony, 86.4% of in-person respondents believe it exists in Bangladesh, whereas only 39.2% of online participants shared this sentiment, with 24.5% remaining uncertain.
Additionally, 68.6% of in-person and 84.9% of online respondents agreed that law enforcement agencies should remain impartial and not show favoritism towards any political party.
Regarding media reliability, 28.9% of in-person and 49.5% of online respondents felt that the media does not accurately portray contemporary issues in Bangladesh.
A notable portion of the youth population—21.8% of in-person and 47.8% of online respondents—expressed a desire to settle abroad.
However, despite various challenges, 85.8% of in-person and 82.9% of online respondents expressed a willingness to return to Bangladesh if meaningful positive changes occur.
Presenting the survey results at a press conference, BYLC’s Executive Director, Tahsinah Ahmed, said: "The Youth Matters Survey serves as an evidence-based document to shape the future envisioned by our youth. The survey has revealed that, in the current context of the country, youth prioritize reforms above all else."
She further emphasized that young people want corruption and nepotism to end, and the rights, safety, and dignity of citizens—especially women—to be ensured.
They desire an environment where they can speak freely without fear and have opportunities to contribute to the country's development.
"They believe the government should be given time to implement these reforms effectively," she added.
Munira Sultana, Deputy Manager of the Skills Development Program at BYLC, acknowledged concerns regarding the education system’s inadequacy in preparing students for employment.
"To address this issue, BYLC has been integrating essential soft skills, such as problem-solving, conflict resolution, and public speaking, into our programs to better equip students for the job market," she said.
Ahsan Habib, Deputy Manager of the Office of Professional Development, said: "At BYLC, we constantly reflect on the role of youth in promoting peace, justice, and good governance."
The survey was conducted by BYLC's Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation Department, with researchers Abul Khayer Shajib, Arafat Islam, Fazilatun Nesa, and Jessia Margaret Gomez leading the study.
BYLC conducts the Youth Matters Survey (YMS) every five years near national elections to capture the perspectives of young people regarding the country's current state and future aspirations.
Traditionally, the YMS has served as a platform to amplify youth voices and influence national reform initiatives.
The previous survey was conducted in December 2023.
Following the change of the Sheikh Hasina government on August 5, 2024, BYLC conducted this survey to gauge the opinions of the nation's youth on the evolving political landscape.
BYLC conducted the previous survey in December 2023, and after the change of the Sheikh Hasina regime on August 5, 2024, BYLC conducted this survey to know the opinion of youths.
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