Photo : Collected
The months of July and early August 2024 witnessed an unprecedented and historic movement of students and citizens across Bangladesh. This mass movement led to the long-anticipated downfall of Hasina’s authoritarian regime. The fall was expected by many, including myself, who believed that a new wave of youth awakening would eventually lead to such a significant public uprising.
During her time in power, Hasina’s government systematically destroyed the very essence of democracy. The economy was severely damaged due to rampant corruption, and the nation was burdened with an overwhelming debt of nineteen trillion takas. Democratic voices were silenced, and thousands of patriots were imprisoned as Hasina sought to build an unchallenged dictatorship. The lives of 180 million people were reduced to a daily struggle for survival. In my writings and discussions, I often highlighted these issues and maintained that the fall of such a regime was inevitable. History shows that no oppressive system can stand forever against the truth and the will of the people.
Bangladesh’s youth are its greatest asset, full of creativity and intelligence, yet under Hasina’s rule, this potential was largely ignored. The regime suppressed any form of critical thinking or creative expression, making it difficult for young people to develop their talents. Opportunities that should have been available to all were instead controlled by the ruling party, leaving most young people deprived of essential resources and training.
As we move forward, it is crucial to ensure that every young person in Bangladesh has the chance to grow and succeed. The recent revolution was driven by the youth’s desire for a fair and just society. They fought for a Bangladesh where merit is rewarded, creativity is encouraged, and everyone has the freedom to think and express themselves. To make this vision a reality, we must provide equal opportunities for all and protect the rights and freedoms that allow young minds to flourish. Only then can we rebuild Bangladesh into a nation that truly values its youth and upholds democratic principles.
Despite being a significant portion of the population, nearly one-fifth of Bangladesh's youth remain underutilized. To elevate Bangladesh to the status of a developed nation, it is imperative that this large demographic is equipped with the necessary skills and empowered to contribute effectively to the workforce. Alongside infrastructural development, the establishment and maintenance of training centers, as well as the development of curricula that meet contemporary demands, are crucial. These initiatives must be geared towards creating employment opportunities and ensuring that the youth are trained according to the needs of the job market, allowing them to apply their education and skills effectively.
Observing developed nations, one finds that the rate of inactive youth is significantly lower, as most are actively engaged in work. For Bangladesh to achieve similar outcomes, the government must adopt and implement plans that harmonise the intellect and experience of its youth. Failure to do so may lead to social problems, as a large idle youth population can be a breeding ground for unrest.
High unemployment rates have already driven many young people to seek opportunities abroad. However, without the necessary skills and language proficiency, these youths often struggle to make meaningful contributions even in foreign lands. To address this, it is essential to strengthen and popularise technical and vocational education and training. By increasing the connection between technical education institutions and the industrial sector, Bangladesh can better prepare its youth for the global workforce.
According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics 2022 Sample Vital Statistics, there are approximately 31.6 million young people aged 15 to 24 in the country, constituting just over 19 percent of the total population. Alarmingly, 40.67 percent of this youth population, or around 12.9 million, are currently inactive, neither engaged in education nor employment. This situation is exacerbated by the growing disillusionment among students, who, facing a lack of job security after completing their education, are increasingly disengaged from formal learning. Instead, many are drawn towards political activities and the display of physical power, believing these avenues offer greater rewards.
The rural and urban youth alike face limited employment opportunities. Coupled with high unemployment rates, many young people are becoming disheartened, with a declining interest in education. Socioeconomic challenges further drive many to prioritise immediate income over education and skill development, leading to a rise in criminal activities within society.
In response, various private initiatives are stepping in to provide training to the unemployed. NGOs and private organisations are playing a significant role in offering training programs through their centers. One such organisation is Care for Assets, Resources, and Obligations (CARO), an international NGO that provides university-level students in Bangladesh with opportunities to develop professional skills through two key programs—the three-month Volunteer Empowerment Program and the six-month Community Members Empowerment Program. These programs, offered free of charge, operate through a virtual office system, where participants develop professional competencies and learn essential soft skills.
Such efforts demonstrate the critical role NGOs can play in youth development. However, there is a pressing need for more such programs, including internships offered by government institutions, to create additional avenues for young people to build their professional skills. By expanding these opportunities, we can ensure that Bangladesh’s youth are not only equipped to succeed but are also actively contributing to the nation’s progress.
As we move forward, it is essential for the new government to place the youth at the heart of its development agenda. Young people must be systematically trained and engaged, with a coordinated effort that includes the programs of NGOs and other stakeholders. Alongside academic education, there must be a stronger emphasis on professional skill development to ensure their career success and employment opportunities.
The spirit of the recent mass uprisings should be harnessed, using the momentum to dismantle the remnants of the fascist regime and build a new Bangladesh centered around its youth. This massive demographic must be strategically mobilised and empowered to lead the nation towards progress. Increased investment in youth empowerment is crucial, with a focus on ensuring their influence across all sectors. Human power must be transformed into human capital, and a master plan for human resource development should be at the forefront of this new era.
In conclusion, the youth are the bedrock of our national strength, and they must be the driving force behind the construction of a new Bangladesh. The new government must work towards this goal, ensuring that Bangladesh evolves into a developed and prosperous nation through the talents and energies of its youth. By empowering our young people and making them the central pillar of national development, we can truly rebuild a post-Hasina Bangladesh that is just, equitable, and full of opportunities for all.
The writer is the Head of HR, Care for Assets, Resources, and Obligations (CARO). He can be reached at: [email protected].
Messenger/Fameema
