The Alarming Rise of NEET Youth in Bangladesh
*Summary: The high NEET rate among Bangladeshi youth is a cause for concern, with 41% of them inactive and not seeking employment. This trend has serious socio-economic implications for the country's future.*
Summary: The high NEET rate among Bangladeshi youth is a cause for concern, with 41% of them inactive and not seeking employment. This trend has serious socio-economic implications for the country's future.
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The youth are often considered the backbone of a nation's progress. However, in Bangladesh, a concerning trend is emerging - a significant portion of the country's young population is neither in education, employment, nor training (NEET). This trend has serious implications for the country's future, with approximately 41% of Bangladeshi youth falling into this category.
A Growing Concern
As stories of young individuals like Asim and Sara illustrate, the NEET phenomenon is prevalent across Bangladesh. These individuals, despite being of working age, are not actively seeking employment or engaging in any form of educational or training activities. This trend is particularly alarming given Bangladesh's burgeoning youth population, with individuals aged 15 to 29 accounting for around 28% of the total population.
The Numbers Speak
According to statistics from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the unemployment rate among young people in Bangladesh is disproportionately high, with rates reaching 8% for the youth demographic. Furthermore, the higher the education level, the higher the unemployment rate, with around 12% of highly educated individuals facing unemployment. This highlights a significant mismatch between the skills possessed by youth and the demands of the job market.
The NEET Conundrum
The term NEET encapsulates the plight of a segment of the population that is unable to secure gainful employment or access to quality education and training. This phenomenon raises concerns about the country's ability to leverage its demographic dividend effectively. With a large youth population, Bangladesh has the potential to drive economic growth, but the current statistics paint a bleak picture of underutilized potential.
The Socio-Economic Impact
Dr Khondaker Golam Moazzem, Research Director at the Centre for Policy Dialogue (CPD), emphasizes the far-reaching implications of a high NEET rate. Inactive youth are not only a drain on the economy but are also more susceptible to social ills such as crime, drug abuse, and extremism. Addressing the NEET crisis is crucial to prevent the perpetuation of poverty and limited opportunities across generations.
Root Causes and Solutions
The NEET crisis in Bangladesh can be attributed to various factors, including skill mismatch in the labour force, societal expectations of 'good jobs,' and early marriage among females. Lack of access to quality education, limited job opportunities, and a mismatch between skills and market demands exacerbate the issue. To address this challenge, policymakers must prioritize empowering youth with the skills and resources needed to enter the workforce effectively.
In conclusion, the high NEET rate among Bangladeshi youth is a pressing issue that demands immediate attention. By tackling the root causes of youth inactivity and providing targeted interventions, Bangladesh can harness the potential of its youth population to drive economic growth and prosperity. It is imperative that concerted efforts are made to address this crisis and ensure a brighter future for the country's youth.
Hi, Ali Rahman in the house! From Chittagong, Bangladesh, I've been on a wild ride from Banskhali Bangabandhu High School to Govt. Alaol College and beyond, landing me at National University. Now, I'm here to dish out the lowdown on national issues and global news. Stick around for a fresh take on what's shaking up our world! Connect With Me