LocationsUnderstanding barriers, voices, and solutions for inclusive youth participation ahead of Bangladesh’s national election
Youth Shaping an Inclusive Future for Bangladesh where No One Is Left Behind
February 5, 2026
Participants pose with the Barriers, Ballots & Beyond study following its launch event, bringing together youth leaders, researchers, and partners to advance inclusive and youth-friendly electoral participation in Bangladesh, with support from UNDP.
©UNDP Bangladesh
Young people are at the heart of Bangladesh’s future. As the country prepares for its next national election, millions of first‑time voters are getting ready to take part in an important civic moment. Their participation reflects growing awareness, rising confidence, and a shared hope for an inclusive and fair society.
To understand how young people experience the voting process, the Barriers, Ballots & Beyond initiative, supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and implemented by the Youth Policy Forum—listened directly to youth from different communities across Bangladesh. Through a nationwide survey and workshops in Dhaka and Sylhet, the initiative captured the voices of Indigenous, Dalit, Bihari, Tea Garden, economically marginalized, and nomadic young people, leaving no one behind.
©UNDP Bangladesh
What the study found
1. Youth are eager—but face barriers
Most young respondents (85.3%) said they want to vote. But many also feel uncertain about the process and face challenges that reduce their confidence.
2. Administrative challenges are common
Some young people face difficulties with their National ID:
- Errors in documents
- Complicated registration
- Slow responses to corrections
3. Language and cultural barriers matter
Election information is usually in formal Bangla, which is difficult for many Indigenous and minority youth. This limits their ability to understand their voting rights or the steps they need to follow.
4. Young women face additional challenges
Family restrictions, social pressure, and concerns about safety affect how freely many young women can take part. Nearly half of female respondents mentioned household responsibilities and social discouragement as barriers.
5. Economic realities affect participation
About 36% of respondents said financial loss makes voting harder for them.
For young people who depend on daily income, voting can mean:
- Losing a day’s wages
- Paying for transport
6. Information gaps and online misinformation are growing concerns
Many young people said they struggle to find clear, reliable information about voting. At the same time, nearly half reported encountering misleading content online, contributing to confusion and mistrust.
What young people say they need
The study suggests several ways to make the voting process more accessible and youth‑friendly:
- Clear and simple information in multiple languages
- Easily accessible voter services, especially for those facing administrative challenges
- Safe and supportive environments, with visible security and community engagement
- Affordable access, including transport support for remote or low‑income groups
- Civic education, both online and in schools, to build long‑term awareness
- More responsive institutions, so young people feel seen, heard, and valued
A path forward
Youth participation is not just about showing up on election day—it is about ensuring that every young person can take part confidently and safely, regardless of their background, gender, income, or location.
By reducing barriers and investing in inclusive practices, Bangladesh can create a voting experience that respects everyone’s rights and supports everyone’s dignity. When young people participate fully, they help shape a future that is more inclusive, more resilient, and more hopeful for all.
Download: Policy Brief
Barriers, Ballots & Beyond: Empowering Vulnerable Youth Towards Inclusive Electoral & Political Participation Methodology
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