Different Contexts, One Shared Dream: Equal Rights for All

Young people from different backgrounds come together to imagine a Bangladesh built on equality, dignity and meaningful participation.

August 12, 2026

Diverse group of colleagues posing for a photo around a long conference table. — Students from the University of Dhaka join UNDP Bangladesh for a youth dialogue on equality, inclusion and meaningful participation ahead of International Youth Day 2026.

©UNDP Bangladesh

What does an equal Bangladesh look like to its young people?

Ahead of International Youth Day 2026, students from the University of Dhaka and Jahangirnagar University came together at UNDP Bangladesh on 11 August to reflect on this question. Their perspectives were shaped by different experiences, concerns and priorities. Yet as the conversation unfolded, one shared aspiration became clear: they want a country where rights and opportunities are equal for everyone.

The day began with interactive sessions on gender mainstreaming and leadership, led by UNDP Bangladesh’s Gender Lead, Sharmin Islam, and Head of Communications, Md Abdul Quayyum. The discussions, facilitated by Sousan Suha, UNDP Bangladesh’s Youth Lead, encouraged students to explore how equality, inclusion and leadership are connected to the society they want to build.

For some, that change begins with personal responsibility. “Start with small changes. Change yourself,” said Mohammad Rafin.

Students spoke about discipline, consistency, punctuality and positivity, recognising that building a better society also requires individuals to reflect on their own attitudes and actions. But their aspirations extended far beyond individual change.

Gender equality was one of the strongest themes to emerge. Maliha Tasnim from the University of Dhaka, highlighted the importance of moving away from the idea that equality is about competition between women and men. “We both need each other,” she said.

For the participants, gender equality means ensuring that everyone can access the same opportunities, exercise the same rights and contribute to society without being limited by gender.

Students from Jahangirnagar University join UNDP Bangladesh for a youth dialogue on equality, inclusion and meaningful participation ahead of International Youth Day 2026.

©UNDP Bangladesh

The discussion also brought attention to people whose voices and experiences often remain underrepresented. Tanjila reflected on the language used to describe different communities and how narratives can either reinforce exclusion or help create a greater sense of dignity and belonging.

Youth representation was another concern. Young people are frequently described as the future of the country, yet they do not always have meaningful space in the decisions shaping that future. Participants stressed the importance of ensuring that young people are not only heard, but are also able to participate in decision-making processes that affect their lives.

These different perspectives reflected different realities, but they pointed towards the same destination.

A Bangladesh where a person’s gender, background, identity, community or circumstances do not determine the rights they can exercise or the opportunities they can access. A Bangladesh where underrepresented voices are heard, young people can participate meaningfully and every person has the chance to contribute.

Across Bangladesh, young people experience very different social, economic and cultural realities. Their priorities may emerge from different contexts. But aspirations for dignity, equality, participation and opportunity can connect them across those differences.

Bringing these voices together is therefore more than a conversation. It is an opportunity to recognise what young people have in common and how those shared aspirations can become collective action.

Their contexts may be different. Their voices may be different. But the aspiration is shared: a Bangladesh where rights belong equally to everyone.