A recent one study carried out by the British Councilconducted before the 12th parliamentary elections in Bangladesh, revealed a worrying trend: that 55% of our youth want to move abroad due to unemployment, corruption, as well as various discriminatory and authoritarian practices. This reflects the deep frustration that has taken root in society over the years. For too long, young people have had to contend with obstacles to government employment, insufficient jobs for a growing number of graduates, and limited political-economic opportunities, all combining to create a suffocating environment for them. This eventually spread during the 2024 quota reform movement, which led to the ouster of the Awami League regime.

The survey, conducted among 18- to 35-year-olds from diverse backgrounds, found that 37 percent identified corruption and nepotism as the main causes of unemployment, while 20 percent pointed to discrimination in employment practices. Another notable, if not surprising, finding is that 72 percent were keen to vote in the January 7 election before the autocratic regime again deprived them of this basic right. The cumulative effect of these grievances lingers, even after the August 5 political change, pushing many to continue to seek opportunities abroad. Despair and despair still accompany many who have seen their aspirations dashed.

Reversing this trend and engaging our young workforce in rebuilding the nation is a formidable challenge for the caretaker government. Therefore, it must give them hope by generating more jobs and creating an ecosystem that rewards merit, hard work, innovation and entrepreneurship. Moreover, the government must undertake reforms in key institutions to serve larger public interests. In the survey, the main priority identified by young respondents was education reform. In this regard, modernizing our education system, making it more skills-based and market-oriented, remains a priority. Corruption must also be rooted out in all sectors. Moreover, an environment must be created in which people, regardless of social class, religion or ethnicity, can express their opinions freely and without fear.

The government initiated its state reform agenda by setting up various commissions for various sectors. We hope that these commissions can function independently without interference from vested interests. Only through genuine political and institutional reforms can we empower our youth and inspire them to contribute to the nation’s progress. This is crucial to fulfill the promise of a brighter and fairer future for Bangladesh.