On the occasion of the International Day of Democracy 2026, SERAC-Bangladesh organized a Civic Circle on 15 September 2026 in Dhaka, bringing together young people to exchange ideas, share perspectives, and reflect on their role in strengthening democracy. The Civic Circle provided an open and inclusive space for young participants to engage in meaningful dialogue on citizenship, participation, and democratic values.
The session explored key issues including civic rights, civic engagement, civic responsibility, civic education, digital democracy, transparency, and accountability. Participants discussed how understanding their rights and responsibilities can enable them to engage more meaningfully in civic life and contribute to positive change within their communities. Through open dialogue and peer-to-peer exchange, young participants shared their perspectives, experiences, and ideas on the importance of active citizenship and meaningful youth participation.
The discussion also highlighted the growing role of digital spaces in civic engagement and democratic participation. As young people increasingly use digital platforms to access information, communicate, express their views, and engage with social issues, participants reflected on the importance of responsible digital participation. The conversation emphasized the need for informed engagement, responsible use of digital platforms, access to reliable information, and greater awareness of transparency and accountability in both online and offline civic spaces.
Participants also explored different ways young people can contribute to decision-making processes and civic activities. From staying informed and raising awareness to volunteering, participating in community initiatives, engaging in dialogue, and expressing their perspectives responsibly, the session encouraged youth to recognize their potential as active contributors to democratic life.
The Civic Circle reinforced the idea that democracy is strengthened when people have meaningful opportunities to participate, express their views, access information, and hold spaces and institutions accountable. For young people, civic engagement is not only about understanding their rights but also about taking responsibility, participating constructively, and contributing to more inclusive communities.
The conversation reminded us that youth participation is not just important for democracy-it is essential to making democracy more inclusive, transparent, participatory, and responsive. By creating spaces for dialogue and encouraging young people to engage both online and offline, initiatives such as the Civic Circle can help nurture informed, responsible, and active citizens.
SERAC-Bangladesh remains committed to creating meaningful opportunities for young people to speak up, participate, exchange ideas, and contribute to the democratic spaces they want to see.