Population Is an Asset, Not a Burden

Once, people asked a simple question, who is more important, the machine or the person behind it? Research showed that the person behind the machine is more important. We can buy machines, but we cannot easily buy skilled people. Human resources are the real strength of a country.

Bangladesh is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, with more than 17 crore people. Our country has a small land area, and our mineral resources are limited. However, we have a huge human resource.

Many people see our large population as a problem, but we need to change this mindset. Population is not a burden, it can be our greatest asset if we use it properly.

China is the torchbearer, China has a population of around 1.4 billion people, and it has used its large workforce to become one of the world's biggest economies. This shows that a large population can become a strength with proper planning and investment.

Education and Skill Development is one of the pillars of our economy. Education is the foundation of a strong nation. However, not everyone needs a university degree or higher education. People can also learn technical skills, industrial skills, and digital literacy. We need more training centres, technical schools, and skill development programs. These can help young people become skilled and ready for work.

Employment and Industrialization must come under spotlight, Unemployment among young graduates is a major problem in Bangladesh. Every year, thousands of students complete their degrees, but many of them are unable to find jobs. We need to expand more job opportunities in the RMG sector, small industries, and businesses. Moreover, encourage young people to become entrepreneurs, instead of depending only on traditional jobs. This can create more employment and strengthen our economy.

Women's Economic Participation is another side of a coin, it can’t be ignored. Women make up a large part of our population, but many still do not get equal opportunities. We need to ensure that women can study, work, and run businesses without facing discrimination. Their participation in the economy can create more jobs, increase family income, and support national development. A country cannot move forward by leaving half of its population behind.

Technology fuels the Digital Economy. Technology has created new opportunities for everyone. Young people can learn freelancing, artificial intelligence, software development, and other digital skills. They can work with international clients, start their own businesses, and earn money online. Bangladesh should take initiative to invest more in digital education and technology. This can help our young generation become part of the global digital economy.

Skilled Migration and Remittances construct the future and eliminate burdens. Brain drain is often seen as a major problem for Bangladesh. However, migration also has a positive side. Many Bangladeshis go abroad for better job opportunities and technical training. They send money to their families, which supports our economy through remittances. We should focus on sending more skilled workers abroad, instead of only unskilled workers. We should also create opportunities for skilled migrants to invest their knowledge and experience back in Bangladesh.

If Bangladesh wants to stand tall in the coming years, we must change our mindset. We need to stop seeing our population as a burden rather than population uplift economic growth. We must create a peaceful and fair working environment, where young people can work without discrimination, nepotism, or unnecessary barriers.

The choice is ours. Change must begin in our minds, and then we must take necessary action to change society. We cannot keep delaying our progress. Procrastination should not be a barrier to development. Instead, innovation, leadership, creativity, and proper planning should guide us.

Our population is not our weakness, it is our greatest opportunity. The real question is not how many people we have, but how we use their potential.


M Ariad Shopnil studies Mass Communication & Journalism
in Bangladesh University of Professionals (BUP), Mirpur Cantonment, Dhaka.