Encourage young people to stay in country

Every year, a large number of people are entering the labor market, yet many of them are unable to find suitable jobs within the country. As a result, they are compelled to go abroad, with approximately 8 to 9 lakh people leaving the country annually, according to recent research. This figure is alarming as it signifies a potential brain drain and a decrease in the number of young people contributing to the national labor force.

It is true that manpower export brings a significant amount of remittances into the country. However, the mass exodus of youth poses a threat to the country's economic and social systems. Not all of these young people go abroad through legal means either. Many risk their lives, using illegal channels to set foot on foreign soil, where they often do not find the work they had hoped for and are forced to endure a substandard quality of life.

A research report published last Monday (August 19) reveals that a significant portion of the young population is frustrated due to the lack of desirable job opportunities within the country. In search of work or the hope of a better life, they are migrating abroad. According to the Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET), in 2023, an average of 150 Bangladeshis left the country every hour in search of jobs. In total, 1.3 million workers migrated abroad in 2023, most heading to Middle Eastern countries.

Government statistics indicate that 2 to 2.2 million young men and women enter the labor market annually. Of these, 1.2 to 1.3 million find employment within the country. Approximately 85% of them are employed in wage-based informal sectors, while the rest secure decent jobs. This information was provided by the private research organization South Asian Network on Economic Modeling to the media.

The majority of young people going abroad are from poor families. To finance their migration, they often have to sell land or take out loans. However, even after going abroad, they may not become financially stable, resulting in years of debt repayment.

We celebrate the inflow of remittances, which play a significant role in the country's economy. But we often overlook how many young people toil for these remittances. These young individuals are forced to live away from their families for years, often enduring a harsh existence.

The only way to overcome this situation is by expanding the domestic labor market and curbing unemployment. However, the reality is that our small country is heavily populated. Moreover, the government has not taken significant measures to reduce unemployment. Recently, a new government has taken power. We hope that this government will also play a crucial role in transforming the labor market.

The government should focus on improving skill-based education for the youth. Without introducing a technical and technology-driven education system, there is no way out of this crisis. It is not beneficial for any country when such a large number of its young people are forced to go abroad in search of work. The government should think about how these young people can contribute to nation-building while staying within the country.