Young individuals constitute a substantial segment of the nation’s overall population. Bangladesh’s future, characterised by significant socioeconomic diversity, requires consideration of the younger generation. Youth will lead the execution of the agenda for global development.
The Bureau of Statistics indicates the age range is between 15 and 29. According to the government’s youth policy, this age limit is between 18 and 35. Approximately forty per cent of the country’s population falls under the age restriction of 29.
Adolescence is a phase of human life marked by courage, conflict, and creativity. Transforming the novel and dismantling the obsolete parallels the religious practices of the youth. The younger generation should confront societal change with courage and integrity.
The youth will initiate a revolution for change across all societal levels, and their collective efforts will be the most productive in this endeavour. When individuals witness any form of irregularity or corruption within society, they feel compelled to engage in a unified protest; when youth spearhead this protest, it becomes unstoppable.
Our nation’s young people have achieved significantly more than we might perceive. Young individuals are advancing in art, literature, sports, and culture, capitalising on various possibilities and incentives. Conversely, we need to clarify whether the nation is effectively harnessing the vigour of a significant segment of the younger generation, which requires careful consideration. Today’s youth will become the principal decision-makers of the future.
Should individuals protest against irregularities and corruption, society will progressively experience transformation. Consequently, youth must engage in all welfare initiatives conducted by the state and community. If the youth remain complacent and uninformed, the pall of ominous clouds will persist over a society mired in irregularities and corruption.
Young individuals must cease their self-centred concentration to effectuate a cultural transformation. In addition to establishing a career, one must consider the nation and society. Prioritising all social welfare initiatives is crucial.
The involvement of youth in various reform initiatives, including the anti-British fight, the language movement, the mass uprising of 1969, and the liberation war of Bangladesh, was undeniably commendable. Our future is replete with potential. Consequently, the younger generation must endure inevitable adversities to establish an ideal society.
To realize a vision for societal improvement, one must resolutely overcome all obstacles and persistently pursue the desired objective. Undertaking the necessary preparations is crucial; equipped youth can steer themselves, society, and the state towards a unique path of success.
Contemporary youth perceive Bangladesh as the quintessential destination. Bangladesh aims to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by 2030 and attain developed nation status by 2041. The current administration is implementing significant measures to ensure that young individuals can access quality work by creating various job alternatives, including salaried positions and self-employment options.
Our educational system must meet the labour market’s demand for skilled, academically qualified individuals. Furthermore, Bangladeshi graduates require more specialised skills in their education to meet the labour market’s demands.
Only 19% of college graduates hold full-time or part-time jobs, while over 50% are unemployed. Moreover, female graduates exhibit a greater propensity for unemployment and discontinuation of their education two years after graduation. Approximately 43% of female university graduates are currently unemployed, in contrast to 37% of male graduates.
Our policies need to recognise youth unemployment as a significant issue confronting the economy. Many individuals believed that the National Youth Policy 2017 needed to address employment possibilities for youth. Furthermore, the policy requires a specific action plan for youth employment. The private sector must serve as the primary source of jobs due to its substantial economic contribution.
Establishing suitable approval frameworks, oversight, and quality assurance is essential for private colleges. We must amend a higher education curriculum to meet market demands. Politicians, employers, and university officials must collaborate effectively to meet this need. The government should develop the proper arrangements.
Consequently, the forthcoming budget should incorporate a designated provision for employment generation. Investment in infrastructure projects, road expansions, and other activities provides employment possibilities for diverse parts of the labour market. The image should illustrate the number of jobs, occupations, and the industries that will generate them.
Despite the recent rise in skill development training, a substantial skills gap persists in the employment market. The private sector has dismissed a considerable number of employees. The need for more information technology knowledge, especially among youth from disadvantaged backgrounds, illustrates a lack of essential technical skills for employment that hinders their progress. We must focus on those above to integrate youth and build a progressive and prosperous society.