A “Youth Orientation and Mock Voting Exercise” was held with the aim of raising awareness among first-time voters, new voters, and the youth about the voting process and strengthening democratic values. The event highlighted the courageous roles of young people in all movements and struggles, including the 1971 Liberation War and the July 2024 Revolution, and called on youth to play a role in strengthening the country’s democratic processes. The event was organised by the non-governmental development organisation ISDE Bangladesh, in collaboration with the international development organisation IFES, under the Inclusive Voter Education and Awareness Project, and was held on December 14, 2025, at the Badarkhali Virtual School and College campus in Chakaria Upazila, Cox’s Bazar.
The orientation meeting was held under the chairmanship of Mahi Uddin Kader Abdul, founder and head teacher of Virch School and College. ISDE program officer, Md. Shahidul Islam, ISDE Chakaria Upazila manager, Jalal Uddin, and assistant teachers of Virch School and College Mohammad Ramiz Uddin and Mohammad Jamal Uddin, participated in the discussion. More than 70 young men and women, as well as members of the local community, attended the event.
In the youth orientation meeting, topics discussed included the responsibilities of citizens as voters, the steps of the voting process, the importance of free and fair elections, and being aware of misinformation during the election period. Through a practical mock voting session, participants had the opportunity to practice the entire process hands-on, including identifying ballot papers, entry rules at the polling station, casting votes, and depositing ballots in the ballot box. This helped first-time voters gain confidence and sparked interest in voting.
Speakers at the youth orientation meeting said that the youth are the main strength of a country’s democracy. By creating aware and responsible voters, it is possible to establish an inclusive and accountable democratic system. They expressed optimism that such activities will continue in the future. The event has received a positive response among young people at the local level, and the participants have pledged to vote regularly.
It was stated at the meeting that this campaign program is being conducted with the aim of making the upcoming 2026 national parliamentary elections participatory, inclusive, and ensuring the voting rights of all citizens. The project is being implemented in the upazilas of Chakaria, Tekua, and Maheshkhali in Cox’s Bazar district.
