Overview
A workshop titled “Youth Voices for Citizens’ Manifesto” was held at Shahjalal University of Science and Technology (SUST) on 22 October 2025, bringing together students from different departments of the university alongside members of social, cultural, and political organizations. The workshop was organized with the joint support of the Department of Political Studies, SUST, and the Citizens Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, under the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD).
The workshop provided a platform for young participants to discuss their expectations and priorities concerning the content of an election manifesto in the lead-up to the upcoming national election. Particular emphasis was placed on giving students an opportunity to articulate their perspectives and collectively identify issues they considered relevant to citizens and young people.

Workshop Proceedings
The session was chaired by Professor Dr. Syed Ashrafur Rahman, Head of the Department of Political Studies, SUST, and moderated by Professor Dr. Md. Shahabul Haque. Toufiqul Islam Khan, Additional Director of the Research Wing at the Centre for Policy Dialogue, attended as the chief guest. Faculty members from the Department of Political Studies, including Professor Dr. Dilara Rahman, Professor Dr. Zayeda Sharmin, and Professor Dr. Fahmida Akter, were also present.
The workshop was facilitated by Tarannum Jinan, Senior Administrative Associate at CPD; Najiba Mohammad Altaf, Senior Research Associate; and Mahdia Mahmud Taima, Program Associate.
A central component of the workshop was the collection of students’ views on what an election manifesto should contain. Participants engaged in discussions around different thematic areas and subsequently worked in groups to develop and present their perspectives. The group presentations provided an opportunity for participants to organize their ideas collectively and discuss the issues they considered important for inclusion in an election manifesto.

Event Significance
The workshop created a space for young people to participate in discussions concerning electoral priorities and public policy. By combining individual perspectives with group-based discussion and presentations, the initiative encouraged students to articulate their expectations regarding the issues and commitments that could feature in an election manifesto.
The event also brought together participants from different academic and organizational backgrounds, providing an avenue for broader discussion of youth perspectives on electoral and civic priorities.