Published: 09:50 AM, 13 August 2026
Potentialities of Youths Need to Be Explored
Kabita Banerjee
The youth are the most energetic, creative and promising section of a nation. They possess immense physical strength, intellectual ability, enthusiasm and a willingness to take risks. In Bangladesh, where a large portion of the population is young, the potential of youths is particularly significant. They can become the driving force behind economic development, social progress, technological advancement and democratic transformation. However, their potential cannot be realised automatically. It needs to be properly identified, nurtured and explored through education, training, employment opportunities and meaningful participation in national life.
Bangladesh is a country of more than 170 million people, and its young population represents both a tremendous opportunity and a serious responsibility. Every year, hundreds of thousands of young people enter the labour market. If they receive appropriate education, skills and opportunities, they can transform Bangladesh into a prosperous and competitive country. If their abilities remain unused, however, unemployment, frustration, drug abuse, crime and social instability may increase. Therefore, exploring the potentialities of youths should be regarded as a national priority.
Education is the first and most important instrument for developing youth potential. Bangladesh has made considerable progress in expanding access to education, but the quality and relevance of education still require attention. In many cases, students continue to focus heavily on memorisation rather than creativity, critical thinking and practical skills. Modern education should encourage young people to solve problems, communicate effectively, work in teams and use technology. Technical and vocational education should also be expanded so that young people can acquire skills that correspond to the demands of the changing job market.
The digital revolution has opened enormous possibilities for Bangladeshi youths. Many young people are already working as freelancers, software developers, graphic designers, digital marketers and online entrepreneurs. Bangladesh has a growing information and communication technology sector, and its young population can take advantage of the global digital economy. With better internet access, modern training facilities and reliable digital infrastructure, more youths could earn foreign currency through freelancing and technology-based businesses while remaining in their own communities.
Entrepreneurship is another area where the potential of youths needs to be explored. Young people often possess innovative ideas but lack capital, mentorship and business knowledge. Banks, financial institutions and government agencies should create easier financing opportunities for young entrepreneurs. Training in accounting, marketing, management and digital commerce can help them turn ideas into sustainable businesses. Start-ups established by young Bangladeshis could create employment not only for their founders but also for thousands of others.
Agriculture and rural development also offer significant opportunities. Bangladesh has a large rural youth population, and agriculture is becoming increasingly dependent on technology and scientific methods. Young farmers can introduce modern irrigation, climate-smart agriculture, improved seeds, agricultural machinery and digital marketing. Agro-processing, fisheries, livestock and agricultural supply chains can provide additional employment opportunities. Instead of viewing agriculture as an old-fashioned occupation, young people should be encouraged to see it as a modern and profitable sector.
The potential of female youths deserves special attention. Bangladeshi women have already demonstrated remarkable achievements in education, entrepreneurship, public administration, medicine, science, garments and many other fields. Yet many young women still face barriers caused by poverty, social attitudes, early marriage, inadequate safety and limited access to employment. Ensuring equal educational, professional and entrepreneurial opportunities for young women would greatly strengthen the country's human capital. A nation cannot fully utilise its youth potential while a significant part of its young population remains disadvantaged.
Sports and cultural activities are equally important. Not every young person will become an academic or business professional. Some possess exceptional talents in football, cricket, athletics, music, literature, theatre, painting and other creative fields. These talents need systematic support. Local sports clubs, cultural centres and youth organisations should be strengthened. Proper coaching, competitions, scholarships and facilities can help talented young people develop their abilities and bring recognition to Bangladesh at home and abroad.
Youth participation in social and civic activities is another important dimension. Young people should not be treated merely as future citizens; they are active citizens today. Their ideas can contribute to solving problems such as environmental pollution, traffic congestion, climate change, poverty, public health and disaster management. Volunteer organisations and community initiatives can provide young people with opportunities to serve society while developing leadership and organisational skills.
Bangladesh also needs to prepare its youth for the challenges of climate change. As a climate-vulnerable country, Bangladesh requires a new generation of environmentally conscious citizens, researchers, engineers and entrepreneurs. Young people can contribute to renewable energy, waste management, water conservation, climate-resilient housing and sustainable agriculture. Universities and research institutions should therefore encourage youth-led innovation in environmental and climate-related fields.
At the same time, mental resilience and ethical development should not be ignored. Academic pressure, unemployment, social competition and uncertainty about the future can create frustration among young people. Families, educational institutions and communities should provide supportive environments where youths can discuss their problems and develop confidence. Alongside professional skills, they need honesty, empathy, discipline, tolerance and respect for others. Material success without moral responsibility cannot create a healthy society.
The government has an important role to play in this process. Youth policies should move beyond slogans and focus on measurable outcomes. Investment in education, vocational training, research, sports, entrepreneurship and digital infrastructure should be increased. Public and private sectors can work together to create apprenticeships, internships and employment opportunities. Universities should strengthen links with industries so that graduates acquire skills that employers actually need.
Parents and teachers also have responsibilities. Young people should be encouraged to discover their own strengths rather than being forced into careers chosen by others. A student who is gifted in technology, art, agriculture or entrepreneurship should receive encouragement just as much as one who excels in conventional academic subjects. Society must learn to respect diverse forms of talent.
In conclusion, the youths of Bangladesh are not merely a demographic group; they are one of the country's greatest national assets. Their energy, creativity and determination can accelerate the country's journey towards a developed, knowledge-based and inclusive economy. But potential alone is not enough. It must be discovered, developed and given opportunities to flourish. Bangladesh should therefore invest in its young people with the same seriousness with which it invests in infrastructure and economic development. If the nation can provide its youths with quality education, practical skills, equal opportunities, employment, entrepreneurship and a supportive social environment, they will not only build their own futures but also build the future of Bangladesh. Exploring the potentialities of youths is, in the truest sense, exploring the potentialities of the nation itself.
Kabita Banerjee is an author and translator
based in Houston, United States of America.
