Youth members from several organisations on Saturday staged a march and formed a human chain in the capital, demanding increased allocation and greater opportunities for young people in the upcoming national budget for 2026.

The programme began in front of the National Press Club in the afternoon and ended in Agargaon, where the human chain was held. Around 50 youths participated.

The event was organised by Prochesta Foundation, Amrai Agami, and Youth Foundation of Bangladesh, with support from the Democratic Budget Movement and SAAPE.

During the programme, participants placed a six-point demand. These include increasing budgetary allocation for youth, introducing a “Youth Card” to support skills development and employment, launching paid internship opportunities, reducing what they termed “unjustified” VAT and taxes on working individuals, ending misleading promises in the name of development, and ensuring an inclusive and equitable budget for all age groups.

They also called for greater youth participation in the budget formulation process and a more inclusive approach to national budgeting.

Sekendar Ali Mina, joint secretary of the Democratic Budget Movement, said the national budget is not merely an economic document but a policy instrument directly linked to people’s lives. However, he noted that youth concerns are still not adequately reflected in budget planning.

Youth representative SZ Opu said more emphasis should be placed on job creation and skills development for young people.

Another representative, Rakibul Islam, stressed the need for paid internships and a fair tax system, describing them as urgent demands of the time.

The organisers expressed hope that the upcoming budget would reflect youth aspirations and contribute to building a more inclusive national economy.