Tapping potential of the youth

The youth are a significant part of the population. Currently, there are 59 million young people (15-29 years) in Bangladesh. They comprise around 35 per cent of the country's total population. Our development largely depends on them. However, these youngsters sometimes make us worried as many of them are often found involved in various kinds of criminal activities including sexual harassment, rape, drug abuse, theft, mugging and more. The incidence of the youth's involvement in crime is reportedly increasing day by day. Against this backdrop, we have recently observed International Youth Day on August 12.

The youth are crucial to nation-building. They just cannot go astray. Initiatives should be taken to shape up their talent and potential. Emphasis should be placed on providing timely training to the youth. Along with this, there should be arrangements for loans for the youth after providing them training in different trades. These loans must be provided on easy terms and low interest. Moreover, they should be taught moral values, patriotism and ethics. We all should make concerted efforts to ensure that the youth can contribute more to the nation's development.

Sumit Banik, Rimi Chakma and Nabaleswar Dewan,

Trainers in a rights-based development organisation,

mtb.olhf.bnps@gmail.com, mtr.olhf.bnps@gmail.com and mtk.olhf.bnps@gmail.com