Sub-Editorial: Where Is the Future of Our Youth?

Mashiur Rahman Majumdar: A significant share of Bangladesh’s population is young. This large youth population represents an enormous opportunity for the country. At the same time, failure to create adequate employment and develop the necessary skills could turn that opportunity into a serious economic and social challenge.

When a young person completes an education and then spends years waiting for employment, the consequences extend beyond individual hardship. The country also loses the productive potential of a generation. Expanding access to education alone is therefore not enough. Education must be connected more closely to the actual demands of the labor market.

Young people need practical training and opportunities in technology, artificial intelligence, information technology, modern agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare and entrepreneurship. Equal opportunities must also be ensured for young women and those living in economically disadvantaged or underserved regions.

Creating employment is not solely the responsibility of the government. The private sector, educational institutions and industries must work together to develop a workforce equipped for a changing economy. Young people should have opportunities not only to seek jobs, but also to become entrepreneurs, skilled professionals and innovators.

Investing in young people is, in reality, an investment in the country’s future. The decisions made today will determine whether tomorrow’s Bangladesh is more skilled, productive and competitive in the global economy.

• Journalist, Bronx, New York.