Young individuals in present-day Bangladesh are standing at a crucial point in time. They are better educated, more connected, and more ambitious than previous generations, yet they are confronted with significant challenges such as limited economic opportunities, an outdated education system, and political structures that do not adequately include them. These tensions erupted during the 2024 July uprising, where the youth led massive protests resulting in the overthrow of the authoritarian Awami League regime.
A year after the uprising, the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) and ActionAid Bangladesh conducted the Youth Survey 2025, involving 2,000 individuals aged 15 to 35 from all eight divisions of the country. The survey shed light on the experiences and expectations of the youth during this transformative period. While the findings reveal a sense of disillusionment among young people, they also demonstrate a hopeful outlook as they advocate for real reform and a desire to have their voices heard.
One significant revelation from the survey is the gap between education and employability. Only a small portion of respondents, 14.5 percent, believe their education adequately prepared them for the job market, while 30.8 percent felt their education had minimal to no impact on their employability. This highlights a fundamental flaw in the education system’s ability to meet the changing demands of the economy. Additionally, dropout rates were high, with reasons including early marriage and financial challenges.
In terms of employment, the survey showed that three-quarters of those employed work in the service sector. However, a concerning 13.7 percent are actively seeking employment without success, and 39 percent are completely disengaged, not studying, working, or seeking employment. This disengagement poses a threat to both the economy and society at large.
Nepotism emerged as a prevalent barrier to employment according to over half of the surveyed youth, followed by inadequate formal education and a mismatch between academic curriculum and job market requirements. Many reported a lack of success in job applications, with almost half stating they did not receive any interview invitations in the past year.
While the gig economy presents opportunities, there are gaps in awareness and access. While a majority find freelancing appealing for its flexibility and earning potential, only a small percentage are familiar with it, and many lack any knowledge of the concept.
Migration remains an attractive option for many young people, with nearly 40 percent considering working abroad for reasons such as better pay, improved working conditions, and a higher quality of life.
Despite their pivotal role in the July movement, most young individuals remain politically disengaged, with few closely following national politics or considering a career in politics. There is a clear disconnect between political parties and youth sentiment, with a vast majority feeling that party agendas do not address the country’s real issues.
In order to address the discontent among the youth, policymakers must prioritize listening to their demands. Education reform, health, labor market reform, and human rights were identified as the top national priorities by the youth. However, there is a lack of awareness regarding the reforms proposed post-uprising, with many feeling uninformed and doubtful of their implementation.
To bridge the gap between rhetoric and action, future reforms must be visible, inclusive, and results-driven. Transparency, participatory planning, and targeted outreach to marginalized groups are essential. Additionally, addressing concerns about religion-based politics and ensuring the security and inclusion of all groups, especially non-Muslims, is crucial for Bangladesh’s future stability and progress.
Despite challenges, the youth in Bangladesh remain hopeful and willing to engage in the political process. They believe in the potential for meaningful reforms to improve their situation and are ready to participate if their voices are valued and acted upon. The July uprising serves as a reminder of the youth’s power and the need to address their concerns to build a fairer, more prosperous future for all.