YOUNG people represent one of the most powerful driving forces for positive transformation across societies. Globally, there are now 1.2 billion individuals aged between 15 and 24 years, accounting for 16 per cent of the total population. In Bangladesh, the National Youth Policy 2017 defines 鈥榶outh鈥� as individuals between aged between 18 and 35 years. Although the youth population contributes significantly to socio-economic and political advancement, this potential can only be harnessed if it is constructively directed. The Labour Force Survey 2022 underscores productive and decent work as the most important pathway to poverty alleviation. However, a pressing concern lies in the staggering figure of 9.65 million young individuals aged between 15 and 29 who fall under the category of not in employment, education or training. This constitutes 22 per cent of the youth demographic, marking a serious disconnect between potential and opportunity.
At the same time, Bangladesh remains one of the world鈥檚 most disaster-prone countries, and climate change has only exacerbated its vulnerability. Ranked seventh globally in terms of climate risk, the country faces a wide array of natural and man-made hazards, ranging from floods, flash floods, water stagnation, cyclones, droughts, earthquakes and riverbank erosion to arsenic contamination, salinity intrusion and heatwaves. The geographical formation of the country, combined with rapid population growth, unplanned urbanisation and industrialisation, contributes to heightened disaster risk. The impact of climate change has made these hazards more frequent and severe, as evidenced by destructive cyclones such as Sidr in 2007, Nargis in 2008, Aila in 2009, Roanu in 2016, Amphan in 2020, Yaas in 2021, Midhili in 2023 and Remal in 2024. These disasters have repeatedly devastated coastal communities, disrupting income sources and displacing lives.
To respond to such vulnerabilities, both global and national frameworks have been adopted. The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015鈥�2030, endorsed at the Third United Nations World Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction and Bangladesh鈥檚 National Plan for Disaster Management 2021鈥�2025, supported by the Disaster Management Act 2012, the Disaster Management Policy 2015 and the Standing Orders on Disaster 2019, promote resilience-building at all levels. Critically, these frameworks highlight the importance of youth participation in disaster risk reduction efforts 鈥� emphasising the value of volunteerism, leadership development, knowledge-sharing, local consultation, social media mobilisation, capacity-building, indigenous knowledge integration and inclusive decision-making. However, the practical application of these directives remains inconsistent.
Our survey conducted in 2024 among young people in the Barishal district identifies both challenges and opportunities in advancing community-based disaster risk reduction through youth engagement. A striking 78 per cent of the respondents believe that existing policy frameworks typically reflect a top-down approach, often failing to align with grassroots needs. Financial and technical constraints were identified by 59 per cent of respondents as major barriers to effective implementation of disaster reduction initiatives. Furthermore, 53 per cent of participants indicated that government agencies rarely recognise youth volunteers formally, except those enrolled in the Cyclone Preparedness Programme. Another 39 per cent cited the lack of coordinated goals among stakeholders as a hindrance to unified action, with overlaps in programming often resulting from institutional silos.
Inadequate training opportunities from government departments in essential areas such as disaster preparedness, early warning systems and community mobilisation were flagged by 76 per cent of the surveyed youths. Equally concerning is the gendered disparity in youth participation 鈥� 57 per cent stated that social taboos and entrenched gender norms discourage female youth from engaging in voluntary disaster response efforts. Alarmingly, 67 per cent of respondents noted that marginalised groups, including women, children, the elderly and persons with disabilities, continue to face exclusion from local disaster management forums and meaningful policy consultations.
Despite these setbacks, young people in Bangladesh have consistently demonstrated their commitment to humanitarian response. An overwhelming 98 per cent of respondents view the youth population as a critical asset for mainstreaming community-based disaster risk reduction. Youths are capable of managing and disseminating relevant disaster data and contributing to periodic risk assessments that incorporate social and environmental dimensions. They can play a central role in translating complex risk information into formats accessible to policymakers and vulnerable communities alike.
Significantly, 87 per cent of participants in the survey expressed confidence in their ability to adopt and promote innovative disaster risk reduction strategies, such as risk and resource mapping and early warning systems. Many youths have already begun developing information dissemination tools in local dialects, using short message services, mobile applications and video content to circulate timely alerts. Several non-governmental organisations have facilitated youth involvement through trainings, workshops, site visits and leadership development platforms. These opportunities not only enhance local capacity but also connect Bangladeshi youth to global best practices. In addition, 84 per cent of respondents advocate for greater exchange programmes both within the country and abroad, aimed at building their expertise. A notable 89 per cent believe that community-based disaster risk reduction will be more successful if local residents, particularly youth, are directly involved in conducting risk assessments, facilitating training, simulating disaster responses, and managing shelters and rehabilitation processes. Youths can significantly influence decisions at the Union Disaster Management Committee level 鈥� 75 per cent of respondents agree that their representation can elevate community voices in this grassroots forum.
As the global climate crisis accelerates, disaster risk reduction frameworks have become more essential than ever. These frameworks articulate numerous commitments for youth engagement, but their translation into concrete action remains limited in the Bangladeshi context. The country possesses an immense pool of youth power, especially with a strong inclination toward volunteerism. Yet the neglect of youth by state and institutional actors threatens to waste this potential. Our findings should serve as a call to action. The state, international bodies, development partners and funding agencies must give immediate and special consideration to building the capacities of young people and fully integrating them into community-based disaster risk reduction strategies. If such steps are taken with intention and urgency, the nation will not only be better prepared for future disasters but also enriched by a generation of empowered, resilient, and informed youth.
听
Dr Mohammed Mamun Rashid听is development professional and Farzana Ferdous is an independent researcher.
