Youth Empowerment for Democracy

SERAC-Bangladesh envisions a democratic future where young people are not only included but are central to shaping society. We believe that democracy thrives when youth are engaged, empowered, and educated to participate meaningfully in civic life. Our mission is to cultivate a generation of citizens who uphold democratic values and actively work to build an inclusive, just, and peaceful Bangladesh.

We move beyond awareness-raising by creating structured, participatory platforms that allow youth to lead decision-making and influence governance. Through our Urban Youth Councils under the SHIFT project, we institutionalize youth representation in city governance, ensuring that young voices have a formal role in shaping policies on public services, planning, and community priorities. This model has been recognized globally as an innovative approach to strengthen democratic processes and inclusive governance.

At the same time, our Peace Adda initiative nurtures civic dialogue and electoral awareness at the grassroots. By creating safe spaces for young people to debate, reflect, and exchange ideas on civic rights, electoral democracy, and violence prevention, we instill values of tolerance, pluralism, and critical thinking. These dialogues prepare youth to engage constructively in elections—as informed voters, observers, advocates, and peacebuilders.
Together, these initiatives form a comprehensive strategy to promote electoral democracy while transforming youth from passive citizens into proactive leaders. By engaging, empowering, and educating young people nationwide, SERAC-Bangladesh is building a culture of democratic participation rooted in values of fairness, inclusion, and civic responsibility—ensuring that youth are a driving force for a more accountable and democratic society.

Youth Empowerment for Democracy Updates

Peace Adda Chandpur: Youth Voices for a Peaceful Election

On November 25, SERAC-Bangladesh, in collaboration with CIVICUS, organized a Peace Adda in Chandpur, bringing together local youth to discuss their role in ensuring a peaceful and participatory national election. Centered on the theme “The Role of Youth in Ensuring a Peaceful Election,” the discussion explored issues of electoral violence, irregularities, and the challenges to […]

Youth Commit to Building a Tolerant Society

Today, on 15th November 2025, SERAC-Bangladesh, with support from CIVICUS, hosted an engaging Peace Adda in Dhaka to mark the International Day for Tolerance 2025. The event brought together young people from diverse backgrounds to openly discuss how tolerance, respect, and understanding serve as the cornerstone of a peaceful society in Bangladesh. In a world […]

Bangladesh’s Youth: Heroes Among Us

Highlights from the National Convening on Youth Perspectives on Social Progress “The heroes we often seek are already among us.” With this powerful message, SERAC-Bangladesh’s Executive Director SM Shaikat opened his speech at the National Convening on Youth Perspectives on Social Progress, held yesterday at the InterContinental Hotel, Dhaka. The event was organized by the […]

Late graduation

SERAC-Bangladesh Executive Director, SM Shaikat, recently wrote an insightful op-ed for the Dhaka Tribune, highlighting the challenges Bangladesh faces as it prepares to graduate from the UN’s Least Developed Country (LDC) category in November 2026. While meeting the LDC thresholds in income, human assets, and vulnerability is a significant achievement, SM Shaikat emphasizes that graduation […]