Focus on enhancing youth empowerment

In any country, the primary driving force is its skilled and capable youth population. They dream and they make those dreams a reality. The future plans of a country primarily depend on the productive young population. The Bangladesh government, too, envisions the implementation of its 'Roopkalpa 2041' based on this demographic dividend. However, according to the latest Quarterly Labor Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the number of young workers (aged 15 to 29 years) in the country is decreasing. Such news is not promising for the nation.

According to the information from the Labour Force Survey of BBS, at the end of the first quarter (January-March) of the calendar year 2024, the number of youth members in the country was 2 crore 59 lakh 20 thousand. At the same time in 2023, this number was 2 crore 73 lakh 80 thousand. Accordingly, within a year, the youth workforce in the country has contracted by more than 5 percent. The number of youths included in the workforce has decreased by approximately 14 lakh 60 thousand.

The statistics from the quarterly labor force survey conducted by the BBS have alarmed experts, particularly as it reveals a significant decline in male workforce participation. Analyzing the reasons behind the contraction of youth workforce, they suggest that lower birth rates may play a major role in this regard. This trend might persist in the future as well. Additionally, there are fewer job opportunities for the youth in the country. Many are migrating abroad due to lack of employment. Moreover, the current economic conditions, marked by sluggish growth and reduced investment, could also contribute to this situation.

Demographers have attributed the decline in the population of young workers to multiple factors. According to them, a majority of young individuals are employed in the informal sector. Due to the lack of opportunities, many youths are unable to join the workforce. Additionally, the decrease in investment and economic growth is also leading to unemployment among the youth. There may be numerous other reasons contributing to this situation. Whatever the cause may be, its resolution is urgently needed. We urge the government and all relevant stakeholders to swiftly address this issue.

Youth power is the greatest asset of any nation. However, despite having a large number of young people, our country is struggling to harness their potential effectively. This is due to a lack of skill on one hand and insufficient efforts from the government to employ the youth on the other. Despite various efforts by the government, the results are not satisfactory, as evidenced by the findings of the survey. If there were enough job opportunities in the country, our talented youth wouldn't rush abroad in search of work. Even those who are going abroad are also bringing back significant remittances. However, the fact that countless young people in the country are remaining unemployed year after year is an irreparable loss. Who will address that concern?

According to the quarterly labor force survey conducted by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in April, the country currently has 25 lakh 90 thousand unemployed individuals. At the end of 2023, the average number of unemployed individuals was 24 lakh 70 thousand. This means that compared to last year, there are more unemployed individuals in the country now. Moreover, the number of inactive youths is even more concerning, those who are neither engaged in education nor employment. The number of inactive youths aged between 14 to 29 years is approximately 1 crore 29 lakh.

It is beyond imagination how terrible the matter is. These inactive and unemployed youth can potentially get involved in any form of crime. They can contribute to social instability. The decrease in youth workforce not only hampers development but also increases the dependency ratio. As a result, national expenditure rises from both sides. This poses a significant risk to both opportunities and assets. If a large number of youths in a developing country remain unemployed and inactive like this, it can hinder progress and lead to regression instead.