This study is part of the British Council's broader Next Generation research programme aimed at understanding youth perspectives and informing policy and programming to better address their needs.
Scope of the research
The research is organised into three primary sections:
- Profiles: Examines how the values, beliefs, and practices of young bangladeshis shape their current lives and future aspirations.
- Perceptions: Explores young people's lived experiences and perceptions of global and personal challenges.
- Pathways: Identifies the enablers and barriers to young bangladeshis achieving their full potential in education, employment, and political engagement.
Key findings
- Decline in optimism for the future: Optimism regarding the future of their country has decreased from 60% in 2015 to 51% in 2024. This decline is attributed to high cost of living (39%), lack of access to food/water (29%), drug/alcohol abuse (25%), lack of job opportunities (18%), lack of access to housing (21%), and healthcare (16%), as well as societal pressure (14%) and early marriage (11%). Apart from the national challenges, global economic instability has also been attributed behind the decline in optimism.
- Education and desired skills: Young people value soft skills such as communication, leadership, critical thinking and financial literacy. Improvements want to be seen in quality of teaching 46% and updating the curriculum 16% to integrate practical skills to the curriculum to aid transition from school to work.
- Political participation: Young Bangladeshis want to engage more with the political system 50%, while only 17% engage in decision making. Despite the barriers, they are not politically apathetic, 66% utilise social media to make their voices heard.
- Gender discrimination: Despite generally positive perceptions, discriminatory gender norms persist. One in three male participants disagree that women and men are equals. The gender disparities are particularly prevalent in employment, education, and entrepreneurship.
- Economic pressure and migration: Young people are open to international migration with over 50% wanting to move to address economic concerns. The most attractive countries for emigrate to are Saudi Arabia, Canada and Australia.
The first report, Bangladesh: The Next Generation, was published in 2010, while the second report, Next Generation Bangladesh: 2015 and beyond was published in 2015. The latest iteration of the research is the third, Next Generation Bangladesh 2024 which is available for download in this website.