15pc Youths Lost Jobs during Pandemic: Study

Around fifteen percent of youths who were employed as of March 2020 are currently out of jobs, said a survey conducted by BRAC Institute of Governance & Development.

The findings of the survey were presented at a webinar on Tuesday, said a press release.

The survey conducted in January 2021 said the youths had to face a number of challenges in the job market due to poor education, limited experience, and skill, as well as limited job opportunities. During the pandemic, the struggles of the youths became more evident.

According to the study, youths employed in skilled professions like education, private firms, and handicrafts, experienced more prolonged unemployment compared to those in less skilled and essential professions.

Director-General of Department of Youth Development at the Ministry of Youth & Sports, Azharul Islam Khan, highlighted the need for Bangladesh to fully utilize the youth dividend.

Dr. Jennifer Seager, Assistant Professor of Global Health and Economics at George Washington University, said that financial constraints have also resulted in decreasing job and education aspirations among the youths.

BIGD Executive Director, Dr. Imran Matin, said the gender disparity dimensions of the pandemic become more evident in the longer term, and it is the same among the youth, which is very concerning.