Second National Youth Wellness Fest 2025 Survey Report
Conducted by Dhaka Flow Across Ten Universities in Dhaka

Executive Summary
The Second National Youth Wellness Festival 2025, organized by Dhaka Flow across ten
leading universities in Bangladesh, provided valuable insights into the lifestyles, wellbeing, and
concerns of today’s youth. The survey captured responses from a diverse student population,
primarily aged 19–24, with a strong representation from Computer Science & Engineering
(25.3%) and Business Administration (24.1%) disciplines. Key findings reveal high stress levels,
with 35% of respondents experiencing daily stress and 30% feeling stressed most days.
Additionally, emotional wellbeing varied significantly, with 22% never feeling lonely while 19%
reported frequent loneliness. Despite these challenges, a promising 75% of students expressed
confidence in their ability to drive community change, and 85% actively participate in
climate-positive actions, reflecting a generation deeply engaged with societal and environmental
issues.
The report also highlights concerning trends in sleep deprivation, with 24.2% sleeping only 5–6
hours, and mental exhaustion, where 20.8% reported feeling overwhelmed daily. Physical
activity and eating habits varied, with 43% engaging in moderate exercise and 31% eating out
2–3 times per week. Alarmingly, 11.3% of respondents reported experiencing abuse regularly,
underscoring the need for stronger support systems. These findings paint a complex picture of
student life—balancing academic pressures, emotional challenges, and a strong desire to
contribute positively to society.

Participant Demographics
The survey was conducted across ten universities, including:
●​ University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh (ULAB)
●​ International University of Business Agriculture and Technology (IUBAT)
●​ American International University-Bangladesh (AIUB)
●​ BRAC University
●​ North South University
●​ East West University
●​ Independent University Bangladesh
●​ Universal College Bangladesh
●​ Presidency University
●​ Canadian University Bangladesh

10 Key Insights
1. Mental Health & Mindfulness
➔​ 35% feel stressed daily, 20.8% experience mental exhaustion daily.
➔​ 19% feel lonely often, while 22% never feel lonely.
2. Movement & Physical Wellbeing
➔​ 43% engage in moderate exercise (21–60 min/day), but 12% are sedentary (6–20
min/day).
3. Nutrition & Nourishment
➔​ 31% eat out 2–3 times/week, while 12% eat out 6–7 times/week.
4. Connection & Community
➔​ 68.6% have a safe space for self-expression, but 28.6% lack one.
5. Creativity & Expression
➔​ 7.1% face barriers (lack of time, depression) to creative expression.
6. Nature & Environmental Wellness
➔​ 85% care about the planet and take climate-positive actions (e.g., recycling, planting
trees).
7. Purpose & Leadership
➔​ 75% feel confident in leading community change, but 10% lack confidence.
8. Sleep & Relaxation
➔​ 24.2% sleep only 5–6 hours, and 13.2% have irregular sleep patterns.
9. Pressure & Peace
➔​ 30% feel stressed “most days,” while 10% rarely/never feel stressed.
10. Abuse & Trauma
➔​ 11.3% experience abuse regularly, while 21.2% report no abuse

Recommendations for Stakeholders

1. Policy Makers
●​ Fund mental health programs in universities and public spaces.
●​ Implement anti-abuse policies with strict enforcement and support systems.
●​ Promote urban green spaces to enhance environmental wellness.
2. Students
●​ Practice mindfulness techniques (meditation, journaling) to manage stress.
●​ Advocate for peer support groups to combat loneliness.
●​ Prioritize 7–8 hours of sleep and limit late-night screen time.
3. Curriculum Creators
●​ Integrate stress management and emotional intelligence into coursework.
●​ Include sustainability education across disciplines.
●​ Offer creative expression electives (art, music, writing).
4. Media
●​ Run awareness campaigns on mental health and abuse prevention.
●​ Highlight youth-led climate initiatives to inspire action.
●​ Avoid glorifying hustle culture that normalizes sleep deprivation.
5. Private Companies
●​ Provide corporate wellness programs (yoga, therapy sessions).
●​ Sponsor student-led sustainability projects.
●​ Offer flexible internships to reduce academic pressure.
6. Universities
●​ Expand counseling services and reduce stigma around seeking help.
●​ Create 24/7 safe spaces for creativity and relaxation.
●​ Organize fitness and nutrition workshops to promote holistic health

Final Call to Action
The findings reveal both challenges and opportunities. By collaborating across
sectors—government, education, media, and business—we can create a healthier, more
supportive environment for the youth. Let’s prioritize mental health, sustainable living, and
inclusive communities to empower the next generation.

Immediate Steps:
●​ Universities → Pilot wellness programs by 2026.
●​ Policy makers → Allocate budget for mental health initiatives.
●​ Students → Form advocacy groups to drive change.

Long-Term:
●​ Cross-sector collaboration to address systemic stressors (e.g., academic pressure,
urban pollution).

Conclusion
The Second National Youth Wellness Festival 2025 survey highlights both the challenges and
resilience of Dhaka’s student population. While stress, irregular sleep, and emotional struggles
are prevalent, the data also reflects a generation committed to sustainability, leadership, and
community impact. These insights call for targeted interventions—improving mental health
support, promoting work-life balance, and fostering safe spaces for creative and personal
growth.
For any questions, please feel free to reach out to Dhaka Flow at hello@dhakaflow.com