The JAAGO Foundation Trust has initiated a countrywide effort to enhance civic engagement and political involvement among women and youth in preparation for the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh. The launch took place at a hotel in Dhaka on November 12.
Dubbed “Ekannor Jaagoron” or “The Rise of 51,” the project falls under the AHEAD Bangladesh initiative, funded by the European Union (EU) through the European Partnership for Democracy. The campaign’s moniker symbolizes the 51 percent of the nation’s population that comprises women, highlighting their and young people’s pivotal roles in shaping a representative democracy. The primary goal of “Ekannor Jaagoron” is to inspire both new and seasoned voters to actively engage in electoral processes through civic education, leadership development, and community involvement, as outlined by the JAAGO Foundation.
At the launch event, Zunairah Islam Nuba, a first-time voter and youth delegate from Dhaka, stressed the importance of political organizations being more inclusive of youthful perspectives and ensuring youth involvement in decision-making procedures.
As part of the AHEAD Bangladesh Project, the JAAGO Foundation is set to introduce a nationwide chatbot to enhance civic education and promote electoral awareness. This tool aims to deliver precise information on voter entitlements, polling sites, voting protocols, and guidelines to combat misinformation, particularly aiding youth and women in making informed choices and actively participating in elections, according to the organization.
The organization plans to recruit 24 Master Trainers and 600 youth trainers at the divisional level through an open online application process. Candidates will be evaluated based on their engagement in the community, participation in civic training, and grassroots impact, as per JAAGO’s statement.