BANGLADESH, as a developing nation, faces significant economic challenges rooted in both domestic and international crises. Domestically, political uncertainty, mismanagement, weak governance, and systemic inefficiencies have created a landscape where the rights of the general population are continually eroded. Over time, these issues have become normalised, diminishing public trust in institutions. On the international front, geopolitical tensions and global trade barriers have further compounded these challenges, leaving the country in a precarious position.
Over the past two decades, the public has grown weary of political rhetoric that prioritises personal and partisan interests over collective well-being. Among the most affected are young, educated individuals who face a bleak job market with limited opportunities. For a nation of 170 million, this lack of engagement from the youth 鈥� a key driver of innovation and growth 鈥� risks economic stagnation. Without creating pathways for young people to actively participate in the economy, Bangladesh risks failing to unlock its full potential.
Faced with limited opportunities, many of Bangladesh鈥檚 youth seek futures abroad, often through perilous and illegal means. Ironically, the opportunities they pursue are not beyond reach but lie within their homeland. The inability to harness these opportunities is a reflection of systemic failures and leadership crises. As Michele Modyshydon Dattaws aptly remarked, 鈥楧on鈥檛 overlook the horizon next to the door.鈥� This oversight is emblematic of leadership鈥檚 failure to address the structural barriers that suppress the aspirations of the nation鈥檚 youth.
Bangladesh鈥檚 struggles are exacerbated by internal structural challenges and the influence of international interest groups. While global interconnectedness is unavoidable, the inability of national leadership to balance external pressures with internal priorities has deepened the crisis. Leaders have often prioritised maintaining power over serving the public good, perpetuating cycles of inequality and discontent. Escaping this cycle will require strategic, long-term efforts focused on building inclusive systems that prioritise the nation鈥檚 collective aspirations.
Empowering young people is a vital step in addressing these challenges. This empowerment requires not only creating jobs but also fostering environments where the youth can thrive within their homeland. A robust capital market can play a pivotal role in this transformation. By offering system-dependent instruments, the capital market can generate millions of jobs, enabling educated youth to participate meaningfully in the economy, as seen in many developed countries.
Currently, Bangladesh鈥檚 job market is heavily reliant on physical sectors such as agriculture, garments, and knitwear. While these industries are critical, their growth potential is limited without integration with financial markets. Developing the capital market can complement these sectors, driving innovation and expanding job opportunities. By creating efficient, accessible, and investment-friendly financial systems, young individuals can actively engage in the market, fostering both personal and national economic growth.
To achieve sustainable progress, it is crucial to address market inefficiencies and restore public confidence in economic systems. Educated youth, who are often hesitant to invest in traditional physical markets, must be encouraged to explore opportunities in the financial market. In developed nations, students often learn to navigate and earn from financial markets, a possibility largely absent in Bangladesh due to systemic inefficiencies. Addressing these gaps will enable broader participation, reduce social unrest, and create pathways to prosperity.
Economic growth and social stability are inseparable from financial well-being. A concerted effort to empower the youth and develop the capital market can pave the way for Bangladesh to reclaim its future. This requires fostering trust, addressing inefficiencies, and creating opportunities that enable every individual to aspire to a better quality of life. By prioritising these measures, Bangladesh can break free from cycles of stagnation and move toward a future of inclusive and sustained growth.
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Dr Md Murad Ahmed is a managing director of GRD Consultants Ltd.