DEMOCRACY is not merely a system of governance — it is the heartbeat of a free society, the framework upon which freedom of expression, individual rights and public participation are built. At its core, democracy thrives not in institutions alone, but in the active participation of its people — especially the youth. With their energy, idealism and innovation, young people form the backbone of any nation’s democratic future. Yet a troubling question continues to surface: are today’s young people truly interested in politics, or are they increasingly disengaged from it?
This question becomes particularly critical when we examine the situation in Bangladesh, a country with over 120 million registered voters — nearly half of whom are young people. This demographic carries enormous potential to shape national politics. But this potential remains largely untapped. Despite their numerical strength, a significant portion of Bangladesh’s youth appears detached from political processes. Many express little interest in political affairs, and an alarming number even dismiss politics as nothing more than a ‘dirty game.’ This perception is not born out of apathy alone, but is the cumulative result of a deeply flawed political culture that has evolved over the last one and a half decades.
Politics, in its true sense, is about dialogue, debate and the shaping of society through collective will. Its beauty lies in the diversity of thought and the celebration of differing opinions. Through free and fair elections, peaceful transitions of power and public accountability, democracy proves its worth. However, in Bangladesh, this ideal has been steadily eroded. The electoral process — a key mechanism of democracy — has been systematically undermined. Manipulated elections, voter suppression and a lack of transparency have become persistent issues, leading many young citizens to question the legitimacy and efficacy of the system itself.
One of the most concerning indicators of youth disengagement is that 34 per cent of the country’s young voters have never cast a vote. This is a dangerous sign for any democracy. A generation that abstains from voting may eventually lose faith in democratic institutions altogether. The roots of this disengagement are complex. The prolonged dominance of autocratic governance structures — where power is consolidated and dissent suppressed — has alienated many young people from political life. They have grown up witnessing a culture where critical voices are silenced and opposition is treated not as a necessary part of democratic discourse, but as a threat to be neutralised.
In such an environment, political intolerance becomes normalised. Youth, instead of learning to accept differing viewpoints, begin to mirror the intolerance they see at the top. When democratic values like dialogue, debate and dissent are stifled, the space for meaningful political engagement shrinks. This leads not only to disinterest but also to mistrust. Many young people simply do not believe that politics is capable of solving real problems, or that their participation would make any difference.
Beyond structural limitations, the failure of political parties to engage youth meaningfully is another critical issue. Most parties in Bangladesh lack a coherent strategy to incorporate young voices into their core agendas. Young people are often relegated to peripheral roles — tasked with logistical support during campaigns or mobilised for street-level activism — but rarely given a seat at the decision-making table. This tokenism discourages long-term involvement and reinforces the notion that politics is reserved for the elite or for those with deep-rooted connections.
In educational institutions, where political consciousness should ideally be nurtured, the situation is no better. Campus politics — once a breeding ground for democratic leadership — has largely devolved into a battleground for party loyalists. Genuine student representation is often suppressed, and student councils, where they exist, are frequently manipulated or bypassed. This deprives young people of an early and essential experience in participatory democracy.
Most troubling, perhaps, is the crisis of trust. Many young Bangladeshis no longer trust political parties, institutions, or even the promises made during elections. They view politics through a lens of cynicism, seeing it as a realm dominated by corruption, self-interest and violence. This erosion of trust is a direct consequence of the absence of accountability and transparency in governance for decades.
However, despite these challenges, there is room for optimism. Throughout history, youth have shown an incredible capacity for resistance and renewal. When they recognise injustice, they rise against it. In Bangladesh, recent years have seen youth-led movements demanding reform — from calls for safe roads to protests for justice and accountability. These are signs that the fire for change has not been extinguished; it simply needs to be channelled constructively.
To unlock the democratic potential of the youth, several measures must be taken.
First and foremost, democracy must be taught — not just as a theory but as a lived experience. Civic education should go beyond textbook definitions to encourage critical thinking, active participation and a sense of responsibility. Schools and colleges must foster environments where students can form councils, debate issues and express their views without fear. This experiential learning is essential to building future citizens who are not only informed but engaged.
Secondly, political parties must move beyond lip service and create genuine avenues for youth participation. This means involving young people in policy development, including them in leadership structures and ensuring that their voices influence decision-making. The practice of using youth wings merely as instruments of street-level politics must be replaced with models of mentorship, skill development and political education. Youth must be treated not as political pawns, but as future leaders.
Thirdly, voter awareness campaigns must be reimagined for the digital age. The Election Commission, civil society organisations and media outlets have a role to play in creating compelling, youth-oriented content that highlights the importance of voting and civic engagement. Campaigns like ‘vote to build the future’ should be adapted into short videos, podcasts, memes and online challenges that resonate with the digital generation.
To orient the youth toward democracy is not just a social or political imperative, it is a national necessity. A generation that abstains from participation cannot hope to determine its own future. If young people do not vote, do not speak out, and do not engage with the system, then others will decide for them — often in ways that do not reflect their hopes, needs, or values.
The growing de-politicisation of youth, coupled with the long-term control of governance by apolitical or autocratic figures, poses a serious threat to the future of democracy in Bangladesh. A disengaged youth population weakens the very foundation of participatory governance. And without regular, transparent and competitive elections, democracy becomes a hollow shell.
But if democracy can take root in the minds of the youth, it can blossom in society at large. Young people must believe that their voices matter, that their votes count and that their participation can shape the nation’s future. Only then can a truly inclusive, accountable and progressive society emerge.
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Musfiq Us Salehin is a development worker.
