Advancing Engagement by Setting Up Urban Youth Councils in Bangladesh

Young people make up one-third of the total population in Bangladesh. National development policies ensured youth skill development and involvement in decision-making, particularly at the local level, but actual involvement of youth in decision-making and access to participatory practices is still very limited.

Therefore, this project aims to achieve equitable engagement of young people at local level decision-making, particularly at the urban governance of city authorities through initiation of urban youth councils in Bangladesh. First, the project will create urban youth councils in four cities including Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Narayanganj, and Rangpur so that youth can participate as elected ‘youth councilors’ in the city governance mechanism. Second, the project will advocate for establishing a youth participation model (Urban Youth Council) in other local government bodies, so that the project impact is realized, and outcomes sustained.

If the Urban Youth Councils are established, youths in the targeted four cities will have a formal mandated space in the municipal governance to voice their issues and secure rightful services and opportunities of empowerment, access to decent employment, and ensure meaningful and inclusive democratic participation in the city management.

Project Location: Mymensingh, Rajshahi, Narayanganj, and Rangpur city corporations.

Project period: September 2021 to February 2024

Funded by: United Nations Democracy Fund (UNDEF)

Technical Partner: United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat)

Targeted Population: Youths aged 18-35.

Urban Youth Councils Project Explained

Project Updates

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Spirit of victory, unity, and the Promise of a Prosperous Bangladesh!

On December 20, 2024, Mymensingh Laboratory High School came alive with the energy of young minds as the Mymensingh Urban Youth Council, in collaboration with WASED Mymensingh, hosted a vibrant Victory Day celebration. The event featured art, essay, and general knowledge competitions, showcasing students’ creativity, critical thinking, and love for their country. From colorful paintings […]

Creative Contests and Knowledge Quest in Mymensingh

Drawing, writing, and general knowledge competitions will be organized by the World Association for Socio-Economic Development (WASED) Mymensingh in collaboration with Mymensingh Urban Youth Council. All interested in this occasion are invited to participate in the competition according to their qualifications. P.S. Open for all. Rules and regulations: 1. The composition should be written on […]

Victory Day Celebrations in Narayanganj: Sports, Discussions, and Cultural Events

On the occasion of Victory Day on December 16, a sports competition, discussion session, and cultural performances were organized for children and adolescents in Ward 8 of Narayanganj City Corporation. The program was inaugurated by the Youth Councilor of Wards 7, 8, and 9 under the Narayanganj City Corporation, and the Narayanganj Urban Youth Council […]

Courtesy Meeting with Narayanganj City Administrator

On December 9, 2024, a courtesy meeting and discussion session were held between the Honorable Administrator of Narayanganj City Corporation, Mr. A.H.M. Kamruzzaman, and the elected youth councilors. Additionally, the monthly meeting of the Narayanganj Urban Youth Council also took place.

SERAC-YAB-BUYCN Statement to UN-Habitat: Prioritizing Youth in Inclusive Urbanization

At the Second Session of the 2024 Executive Board of UN-Habitat, SERAC-Bangladesh, alongside the UN-Habitat Youth Advisory Board (YAB) and the Bangladesh Urban Youth Councils Network (BUYCN), emphasized the transformative role of youth in sustainable urban development. Highlighting initiatives like the Urban Youth Council (UYC), SERAC-Bangladesh called for inclusive consultations, integration of global commitments such […]

Memorial Meeting in Honor of the July-August 2024 Student-People Uprising

A heartfelt memorial meeting was held to honor the injured and martyrs of the July-August 2024 student-people uprising. The event was a solemn occasion, bringing together individuals who played a significant role in this historic movement, as well as those who were directly affected by it. The meeting was attended by notable dignitaries, including the […]

Free Eye Care Camp Held in Narayanganj Under the Leadership of Youth Councillor

On November 26th, a free eye care camp was organized in Narayanganj under the guidance of Mehrab Hossain Apu, the Urban Youth Councillor of Ward 10, 11, and 12, and President of the Isdair Udyipto Tarun Sangha. The event aimed to provide accessible eye care services to the local community. Throughout the day, a team […]

The Empowering Youth Series On Civic Engagement in Political Process

Rajshahi Urban Youth Council recently joined a two days interactive workshop “Empowering Youth: Civic Engagement in Political Process” at the American Corner Rajshahi. They Learn how political systems work understand there role as an active citizen, and discover how you can advocate for the changes that they want to see. Through many engaging activities and […]