Young voices now have the chance to step up and be heard in shaping state decisions as the National Policy Competition 2025 is now open. 

Students from nine universities and one medical college are already taking part, thanks to the initiative of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

According to a statement shared on Chief Adviser Professor Muhammad Yunus’ official Facebook page this morning (27 August), the competition began nationwide yesterday, 26 August.

The competition will unfold in two phases, starting with the submission of concept papers, allowing the opportunity to present bold ideas, influence real policies, and show what the youth of Bangladesh can achieve.

Selected participants will then develop full policy papers in the second phase.

Each institution will host a final round, where shortlisted students will present their policy proposals.

Winning papers from these institution-level competitions will be considered for implementation by the government based on their feasibility.

What will be discussed in the competition?

Competition topics include youth participation in politics and democracy, preventing rumours and protecting Bangladesh’s global image, peace and cultural connections in South Asia after the July uprising, and utilising opportunities from Bangladesh’s graduation from LDC status. 

Other topics cover foreign policy priorities, healthcare reforms, education and skills, constitutional restructuring after the July mass uprising, the Fourth Industrial Revolution, and agriculture and rivers as drivers of development.

How can participants get on board?

The participating institutions are Dhaka University, Jahangirnagar University, Chattogram University, North South University, Rajshahi University, East West University, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh Agricultural University and Dhaka Medical College.

Participants can register through designated faculty members at their own institutions.

The ministry noted that youth participation is essential in every aspect of governance, from policy formulation to implementation.

It said long-term change requires the intellect, research-oriented thinking, and innovation of young people.

The competition is expected to create new opportunities for youth inclusion in policymaking.

Ashik Chowdhury, executive chairman of the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority, said university students are the true driving force of Bangladesh’s development. 

He stressed that it is time for young minds to break free from outdated and ineffective policies, and instead contribute with pragmatic and intelligent interventions to shape development-oriented policies.

He further noted that the National Policy Competition 2025  is not just a contest, but a transformative platform that can help students set their future goals and prepare them for impactful policymaking.