In February 2026, Bangladesh held its first elections since a youth-led movement culminated in a peaceful change of power in Summer 2024. How do you prepare a country for such a moment?
In the months leading up to the elections, The Hunger Project-Bangladesh worked to prepare citizens, particularly youth, for peaceful participation in the political process. Young people, especially first-time voters, represent a powerful force in shaping Bangladesh’s future, yet many face barriers such as misinformation, intimidation or uncertainty about voting procedure. Addressing these challenges required both practical guidance and renewed confidence in the value of participation.
“Democracy is strengthened when citizens feel informed, safe and empowered to engage,” Prashanta Tripura, Country Leader of The Hunger Project Bangladesh. “Our work focused on equipping young people with the tools and confidence to participate peacefully and responsibly.”
Strengthening Youth Leadership and Pluralism
As a non-partisan organization, we do not endorse any political party or candidate. We believe creating a world without hunger requires strong democratic governance where resources are distributed fairly, systems are accountable, and the voices of women and marginalized communities shape decisions. When citizens are empowered and embrace their rights, especially women and young people, we are able to sustainability address the root causes of hunger.
In the lead-up to Bangladesh’s elections, we focused on supporting people to feel ready, confident and connected enough to the political process to participate meaningfully. Across the country, young leaders stepped forward as facilitators of dialogue, bringing their peers together in classrooms, courtyards and community spaces to talk openly about democracy, governance and what it means to live together with respect. These conversations created space for discussing differences, helping to ease polarization and build a sense of shared purpose. At national youth gatherings and in grassroots digital campaigns, young people carried these messages forward, countering misinformation, creating content, and encouraging one another to see participation as both their right and responsibility.
For many first-time voters, the journey began with simple, practical questions—how voting works, why it matters and whether their voice really counts. Through hundreds of small-group sessions across 22 upazilas, youth facilitators reached thousands of people, motivating them to come out and cast their vote. In 33 schools and universities, “Election Olympiads” transformed civic education into something lively and memorable, sparking curiosity and pride in the democratic process.
At the same time, we worked with communities to ensure that the elections could move forward peacefully. Hunger Project-trained Peace Facilitators Groups and Youth Peace Ambassadors Groups were active across dozens of districts—watching closely for signs of rising tension, mediating conflicts and creating opportunities for dialogue before issues could escalate. Interfaith gatherings brought religious leaders together to stand publicly for peace, while community discussions helped neighbors navigate political differences without division. Behind the scenes, real-time monitoring systems allowed local leaders to respond quickly to potential flashpoints, reinforcing a sense of safety and trust.
In many places, this groundwork made space for something powerful: direct connection. Community forums brought candidates and citizens face-to-face, giving voters—especially young people—the chance to ask questions, share concerns and call for peaceful, accountable elections.
Together, these efforts, many of which are continuing, tell a larger story of a country choosing participation over division and possibility over fear. Because hunger is not just about food. It is about power, access and whose voices are heard. When citizens are informed, when communities are connected and when young people step forward with confidence, the systems that shape daily life begin to work differently: more fairly, more transparently and more inclusively.
This is how a world without hunger is built—not in a single moment, but through millions of acts of participation, accountability, and leadership.
Photo: Bangladesh 2025 © The Hunger Project