Young minds, stronger economy
Bangladesh stands at a defining moment in its economic journey. The country possesses enormous potential: a youthful population, expanding access to technology, growing participation of women in the workforce, and internationally recognised achievements in agriculture and the garment industry.
Yet a crucial question remains – are these opportunities being transformed into sustainable national development, or are people simply watching from the sidelines?
The economy often resembles a monsoon river: full of energy and possibility, yet vulnerable without proper direction.
One of the most important driving forces for the country’s future is its students.
Today’s students are tomorrow’s entrepreneurs, administrators, scientists, teachers and policymakers.
Unemployment remains one of Bangladesh’s greatest challenges.
Every year, thousands graduate from universities, colleges, madrasahs and technical institutions, but employment opportunities do not grow at the same pace.
Consequently, many educated young people remain jobless despite holding degrees. This is not only a personal disappointment but also a loss of national investment.
A change in mindset is therefore essential. Employment should not be viewed only through the lens of traditional jobs.
Skills, entrepreneurship, freelancing, digital work and businesses built around solving local problems are increasingly realistic alternatives.
A young person who markets local products such as handicrafts, vegetables, fish or honey online contributes not only to personal income but also to the wider local economy.
In today’s world, a smartphone can become a business tool rather than merely a source of entertainment.
Rural Bangladesh remains central to the economy, yet farmers often fail to receive fair prices because of middlemen, poor storage facilities and limited market information.
Students can play a transformative role by providing digital market data, helping establish online sales platforms and improving supply chains.
If students regularly shared market prices through mobile platforms, farmers would gain greater bargaining power and access to information.
Inflation is another major concern affecting ordinary families. Rising prices continue to reduce purchasing power and create financial stress.
Students can help spread awareness about budgeting, savings, financial planning and protection against digital fraud. In many households, poor financial management worsens economic hardship.
Corruption also continues to undermine economic progress and public trust.
Allegations of irregularities in recruitment, public services and development projects remain common.
Corruption wastes resources and discourages investment. Students can contribute by promoting transparency, conducting research and encouraging responsible civic awareness.
At the same time, Bangladesh’s education system must become more employment-oriented. Many graduates discover that their academic qualifications do not match labour market demands.
Schools and universities should therefore place greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, digital literacy, communication skills and industry-related training.
Skills such as graphic design, online marketing and English communication can allow students to begin earning even before graduation.
The advancement of women in Bangladesh is one of the country’s major successes, yet many women in rural areas remain economically disadvantaged.
Students can support women through digital business training, online marketing assistance and financial literacy programmes, helping create new opportunities for families and communities.
Remittance, tourism, climate adaptation and sustainable urban development also offer important opportunities for youth engagement.
Young people can contribute through eco-tourism, environmental innovation, safe migration awareness and research-based urban planning.
Bangladesh has repeatedly demonstrated resilience through poverty reduction, agricultural progress, women’s empowerment and technological advancement.
The country’s next economic leap is possible if young people become active participants rather than passive observers.
(The writer is a teacher,
poet, and columnist.)
