Unemployment is not individual failure, state responsible for ensuring employment: Youth Union

The Bangladesh Youth Union has said unemployment should not be viewed as an individual's failure, emphasising that the state bears the responsibility to ensure young people's right to work. Leaders of the organisation said while nearly 20 lakh young people enter the labour market each year, employment opportunities are not being created proportionately, leading to a deepening unemployment crisis.

Leaders made these remarks at a rally organised at the Central Shaheed Minar in the capital on Friday, August 28, marking the 50th anniversary and golden jubilee of the Bangladesh Youth Union.

At the rally, the organisation's General Secretary Jahangir Alam Nannu said nearly 20 lakh young people enter the country's labour market each year. A large number of them, including many highly educated youths, wait for jobs for a long time. Failing to create sufficient employment opportunities and then blaming individuals for unemployment is not justified, he said. The state must ensure young people's right to work.

He said a significant portion of the country's youth remain unemployed for long periods after completing their education. This situation not only creates uncertainty in their personal lives but also negatively impacts the country's economy. Therefore, effective state-level initiatives are urgently needed to tackle unemployment.

Youth Union President Khan Asaduzzaman Masum said the employment crisis in the country is growing. Alongside unemployment, the closure of various industries and factories is rendering a large number of people jobless. To increase employment, the industrial sector must be strengthened, and long-term effective plans are needed to resolve the electricity, oil and gas crises.

Speakers at the rally said a large segment of the working-age population remaining unemployed is a major crisis for the country. Highlighting development statistics without creating employment opportunities for young people will only obscure the reality. The actual figures of how many young people are getting jobs and how many remain unemployed must be presented before the public.

Leaders at the rally said employment must be made a state priority. For this, new industrial policies must be formulated, a conducive investment environment must be created, and initiatives must be taken to reopen closed industries and factories. Additionally, the government should announce specific plans and time-bound roadmaps for creating employment for young people.

The rally was moderated by Youth Union Organising Secretary Shahin Bhuiyan. Other speakers included the organisation's Dhaka Metropolitan North President Iran Molla, South Organising Secretary Rafiqul Islam, Chhatra Union President Mahir Shahriar Reza, and other leaders.

The rally demanded improvement in the law and order situation, an end to extortion and illegal occupation, announcement of a new industrial policy, and creation of an investment-friendly environment.

Speakers said sustainable development is not possible by keeping the country's young population outside the workforce. Instead of viewing unemployment as an individual's failure, it must be treated as a matter of state policy, and dignified employment opportunities must be created for young people.