A recent study conducted by British Council reveals that nearly 42 per cent of young people are concerned about unemployment, and they believe that the main reasons for unemployment are corruption, nepotism, discrimination in recruitment, and the failure to maintain a balance between work and family life. As a result of these issues, 55 per cent of young people have expressed an interest in going abroad.
The study titled "Next Generation Bangladesh 2024" was unveiled on Wednesday at Dhaka University, under the initiative of the British Council. The research was conducted with 3,081 young individuals aged 18 to 35, through interviews held in November and December 2023.
The study indicates a decline in the number of young people who believe the country is heading in the right direction. In 2015, 60 per cent of youth thought the country was on the right path, but that number has now dropped to 51 per cent.
According to the study, 37 per cent of participants believe that the primary causes of unemployment are corruption and nepotism, while 20 per cent cite discrimination in recruitment, and 18 per cent blame the pressures of family life. Additionally, 44 per cent of young people expressed a desire to start their own business within the next year.
The research also highlighted that 72 per cent of young people were interested in voting in the 2024 general elections held on January 7. However, 65 per cent of them felt disconnected and detached from the political process.
Furthermore, the study reveals that 66 per cent of youth are regular internet users, with 77 per cent of young men and 56 per cent of young women accessing the internet.
Additionally, 27 per cent of women reported being victims of domestic violence, and 30 per cent of young people believe that women are not equal to men. A further 25 per cent of young people oppose granting women the same freedom as men in public life.
Regarding the education system, 49 per cent of young people believe the quality of education is very poor, particularly due to curricula that do not align with the demands of the modern job market.
The chief guest at the research findings unveiling was Lamiya Morshed, the Chief Coordinator for SDGs at the Office of the Chief Adviser of the Interim Government.
She emphasised that the government is working with a focus on the aspirations of the country's youth.
"The government's core tasks will be to protect human rights, enforce non-discriminatory laws and policies, and implement people-centric policies," she said.
Addressing the event as special guest, British High Commissioner to Bangladesh Sarah Cooke reaffirmed the UK government's commitment to supporting the interim government and the people of Bangladesh in building an inclusive, prosperous, and democratic future.
