The root of their frustration lies in our failure to meet young people’s dreams and expectations. Specifically, 42% worry about joblessness. Despite past promises of job creation, our inability to provide adequate employment opportunities is driving a migration trend among youth.
Today, about 30% of the country’s population is young and of working age. This group must play a central role in sustaining development, yet we are neglecting their vast potential. Bangladesh's "demographic dividend"—the advantage of a young population—is temporary and could end within the next 15-20 years.
To prevent the loss of this opportunity, we need short-, medium-, and long-term plans; otherwise, brain drain is inevitable.
All developed nations have relied on the intelligence, hard work, and patriotism of a dedicated generation. We cannot afford to neglect ours. While their migration provides temporary remittance benefits, the loss of talented engineers, doctors, and scientists is a heavier price.
Public funds invested in their education are being lost. Concrete steps must be taken to retain them. Young people want an education system that aligns with the demands of a modern job market.
Once, only wealthy families sent their children abroad for education. Now, even middle-class and low-income families send their children overseas for higher studies. The trend is rising among educated women as well.
If thousands of talented individuals continue to leave, who will drive the country forward? We are failing to create the Bangladesh they dream of, provide suitable job opportunities, and ensure dignity, security, and freedom.
We cannot afford to lose our talented youth through negligence. We must engage them in serving the country. Even if they are abroad, we should find ways to involve them in national progress.
Our universities, research institutions, and political landscape are already experiencing a shortage of skilled individuals. If this continues, the future of Bangladesh is easy to predict.
Therefore, it is essential to value young talent as a national asset and work to fully leverage their potential. Otherwise, the dream of an innovative, knowledge-based, and sustainable developed nation will remain out of reach.