2024 was always set to be a watershed year. With more than 60 elections around the world—many in some of the biggest democracies on the planet—it is a year when citizens are shaping the future of their countries at the polls. Though the reckoning through ballots was anticipated, many could not foresee the groundswell of momentum and protests for change on the streets and the vigor with which young people are willing to push back against endemic injustice. 

The end of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina’s rule in Bangladesh came after weeks of protests and at the cost of many young lives. By the time of her resignation, at least 300 protestors were killed as a result of brutal crackdowns by the military and law enforcement agencies, approximately 11,000 were arrested, and many more suffered injuries and intimidation. While inequitable quotas tied to civil service jobs gave rise to the protest, the movement was flamed by democratic backsliding, pervasive corruption, ongoing socio-economic challenges, and growing authoritarianism. 

Immense sacrifices were made to get Bangladesh to this window of opportunity, and it is important that the voices of young people are not lost in the transition process. Over the past 2 years, Accountability Lab has worked with the Manusher Jonno Foundation on strengthening youth engagement in democracy in Bangladesh through a project that has built diverse networks of youth leaders, and provided training and resources to youth-led civil society organizations.  Through this initiative, we have engaged with thousands of young people across Bangladesh, and these participants – primarily from marginalized communities – created a set of recommendations from the National Youth Parliament and through a series of consultations. Given this inimitable, hard-fought opportunity for change, it is our hope that these recommendations are woven into the rebuilding of Bangladesh’s government. This is what we heard:

Climate: In light of Bangladesh’s extreme vulnerability to climate change, transparency and stakeholder engagement should underpin all mitigation efforts. Climate change-related projects should have separate budget allocations based on needs assessed at the district level. Youth participation should be ensured in all climate policy-making;

Corruption: Young people are seeking transparent governance systems and legal frameworks that prevent and counter corruption. They also want greater oversight of parliamentary affairs through a youth caucus that can make recommendations specifically to counter terrorism and corruption;

Freedoms: Now is the time to center the rights captured in the Constitution to build a more just and equitable society. People should have religious freedom, freedom of expression, and all other freedoms in practice, as enshrined in the Constitution. Recommendations acknowledged that the only way to tackle human right violations and impunity is an open and fair justice system backed by good governance and effective youth participation at all levels. The freedom of digital spaces also needs to be fully protected.  

Gender & Minorities: The safety of the gender-diverse and other minority communities should be ensured through support (including increased disability stipends) for improved living conditions, and the creation of conducive environments and services that allow all individuals to thrive. There is a need for a Minority Rights Commission to protect the rights of minority communities;

Youth Representation: Political parties should be encouraged to support candidates to bolster youth participation in parliament. Beyond this, young people should be included in decision-making processes in general. Young people are also calling for a dedicated Ministry of Youth Affairs with a dedicated budget. 

The challenges that led Bangladesh to this point are not unique, nor is the extreme discontent that drove young people to the streets in their hundreds of thousands. Just a month ago, protests led to the dismissal of Kenya’s entire cabinet, and we are witnessing widespread collective action in Nigeria under the banner of #EndBadGovernance. And it is unlikely that it will end with these countries. 2024 is indeed a year of immense change, and it is crucial that we keep the voices of young people at the forefront. 

*Erasmus is Co-CEO of Accountability Lab and Alam is Program Manager at the Manusher Jonno Foundation

Cheri-Leigh Erasmus and Iftekher Hussain