Hope, and the fight for change: Youth Ambassador visiting Bangladesh 6 months after its youth revolution
What happens when a generation refuses to stay silent? In the summer of 2024, young people in Bangladesh took to the streets in what became known as the ‘Monsoon Revolution.’ Demanding change, a better future, and a voice in shaping their country, students were the driving force behind major political shifts in Bangladesh. Six months later, the Ambassador for Youth, Education and Work, Jurriaan Middelhoff, traveled to Bangladesh to see what is next for this unstoppable youth movement.
A country at a crossroads
Bangladesh is buzzing. In its capital, Dhaka, traffic chaos, street food vendors, and neon billboards paint a picture of a city always on the move. Yet, an uneasy mix of hope, frustration, and uncertainty is clearly present.
The country has immense potential when it comes to youth, with almost 27% of the population being young aged 15 to 29. Yet, a substantial portion of this young generation is facing substantial challenges in terms of education and employment. This has led to young people expressing their dissatisfaction and turning to the streets in the summer 2024. After weeks of protests which were violently repressed, the government was overturned and Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus was appointed as interim Prime Minister, tasked to rebuild democratic institutions and organize free and fair elections. Young people have sky-high expectations of this change in government, especially as two student leaders were part of the new Cabinet. However, rebuilding Bangladesh’s institutions is an immense task and the call for early elections is growing louder, also among youth.
Following the 9th edition of the Social Business Youth Summit, Ambassador Middelhoff had the opportunity to share the Dutch Youth at Heart policy with Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus. Alongside meetings with The interim-Minister of Youth and both student-leader and interim-Minister Labour, the Bangladeshi government showcased a commitment to involving youth in reforming national policies. While challenges persist, such a recognition of youth’s pivotal role is a step in the right direction.
Illustrations of change
The Ambassador’s visit further showcased beacons of hopes for Bangladesh. In line with the Youth at Heart strategy, the Netherlands continues to invest in Orange Corners, a Dutch initiative supporting young entrepreneurs in Dhaka and Chattogram. The Ambassador visited startups tackling different challenges in innovative manners, from sustainable farming to AI-driven climate solutions.
Youth-led optimism
A similar optimism did Ambassador Middelhoff encounter with the young women involved in SheSTEM. This project, initiated by the Dutch Embassy in cooperation with local governance, educational institutes and the private sector, works toward the increase of career opportunities for young women in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). In a country where traditional gender roles still dominate, and a fear of growing conservatism prevails, this project is a game-changer.
Ambassador Middelhoff also visited the Korail slum, one of the poorest neighborhoods in Dhaka. In this neighborhood, the “Youth for Equality” project contributes to equal opportunities for both men and women. Cooperating with journalists and influencers, this youth-led project transforms lives through education and social change. Grassroots activism at its finest.
What’s next?
Clearly, the revolution of Bangladeshi youth is not over. Ambassador Middelhoff encountered a future generation that is not waiting around, but demanding a seat at the table to discuss Bangladesh’s challenges. Its youth desire decent jobs, education, and a say in their country’s future. The Netherlands continues to support them, investing in young entrepreneurs, equal opportunities, and youth inclusion in policy making. Bangladesh’s young people aren’t just the future—they are the present. And they are certainly ready to make history!
