- Fire breaks out at jacket factory in Chattogram |
- Dhaka, Delhi agree to bring down border killings to zero |
- Natore’s Baraigram OC closed over negligence in bus robbery case |
- Imported fruit prices surge by up to Tk 100 per kg |
- 35% of air pollution in BD originates from external sources: Experts |
A way out of our jobless growth
The most recent figures put youth unemployment at a rate of 15.7%
Bangladesh’s current level of economic progress is undeniable, but so is the fact that the overwhelming majority of our growth has been of the jobless persuasion. For far too long has Bangladesh been warned of jobless growth by experts for the government to not be cognizant of its dangers, and yet here we are.
The most recent figures, according to the International Labour Organization, put youth unemployment at a rate of 15.7%, which is three times higher than the total unemployment rate at 5.1% in the same period. This is, to put it mildly, a cause for great concern especially apropos of the many challenges that the nation is to face after we graduate away from least developed country status.
With increasing numbers of graduates entering the job market and finding next to no opportunities which suit their skills and certifications, is it any wonder then that protests such as the ongoing quota movement are seemingly intensifying?
Bangladesh’s unemployment crisis has almost always disproportionately affected the youth, which is nothing short of a shame as -- without ample opportunities for employment -- we risk exacerbating existing issues such as brain drain and perhaps even have a knock-on effect on our long-term vision of achieving equitable growth, reports DT.
It’s clear that, instead of hand-waving their concerns, the government needs to actively listen to our youth and understand their grievances.
Despite numerous pledges in the past, the government has failed to uphold its duties to the youth and in turn are failing to take advantage of everything they have to offer. If this continues, it’s not just the economy that stands to be jeopardized, but perhaps the future of our nation as well.