We must help all youths flourish
We are proud of our youths, but equality doesn't exist in this community. Many of them got opportunities, but many didn't. We must reach out to those who have been left behind.
Inequality exists among the youths, as many have been left behind due to lack of opportunities, said Debapriya Bhattacharya, convenor at Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, yesterday.
"We are proud of our youths, but equality doesn't exist in this community. Many of them got opportunities, but many didn't. We must reach out to those who have been left behind," he said.
He was speaking at a conference on youths and SDG, organised by Citizen's Platform for SDGs, Bangladesh, at Krishibid Institution Bangladesh.
He said a large population of youths are not educated, do not have jobs and have not received any kind of training.
Most of the time, people only recognise those who are educated -- the English speaking, computer literate, tie and coat wearing people -- as part of the youth community, he opined.
"Those who are working as brick breakers, and have jobs in RMG and agriculture sectors are being excluded from this community. But they are also part of the youth and are citizens of Bangladesh," he said.
Citing the population census, he said there are about 1.5 crore to 2 crore new young voters in the country after 2018. "You (youths) must include your name to the voter list. Because, voting falls within your civic duty and right."
The rate of unemployment is higher for graduates when compared to non-graduates, said AKM Fahim Mashroor, chief executive officer of Bdjobs.com.
"A devastating trend can be noticed from all recent labour market surveys: more educated people are more likely to be unemployed," he said.
He said it is alarming that most students prefer government jobs rather than private ones.
Sultana Kamal, core group member at Citizen's Platform, said youths are the most powerful force in society. "We must keep them on the right track."
Planning Minister MA Mannan, said, "When I visit my village, people always want an allowance card or tube-well, because many are still poor."
Stefan Liller, resident representative UNDP Bangladesh; Nobonita Chowdhury, director of Gender, Justice and Diversity and Preventing Violence Against Women Initiative at Brac; and filmmaker Mostofa Sarwar Farooki also spoke.
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