Youths becoming unproductive

The worryingly high rate of illiteracy, unemployment and inactivity amongst the youth of our country, poses a significant challenge for the state and society. According to an International Labour Organisation report, 40 percent of youth in Bangladesh are currently unproductive. Although the trend seems to be following a similar pattern across the international arena, out of the 21 countries situated in the Asia-Pacific region, Bangladesh was disappointingly ranked third worst in terms of youth productivity.

Along with the obvious losses to economic productivity this is causing, it also adversely impacts on the country's social conditions in countless other ways. Many young people who eventually come to the realisation that they are, in no way, contributing to society and the direction it is headed, are then beset with various forms of frustrations. This increases the likelihood for young people to get involved with substance abuse, illegal activities and to isolate themselves from society.

Experts from different professions have clearly outlined some of the reasons for the surge in youth unproductiveness, such as the lack of work opportunities, absence of work related competency amongst them and constraints and obstacles in the way of youth entrepreneurship. But, apart from these, there are many other reasons, one of which is the short-sightedness of both the state and society that has led to the pursuance of short-run benefits rather than nation building, which naturally requires the participation of young people.

If we think long-term, however, this cannot be allowed to persist. Society and the state must broaden its vision for creating a better future and provide the youth with better support from every angle to do that. And the sooner this realisation appears the better.