CPD Policy Brief 16
Harnessing Demographic Dividend
Dynamics of Youth Labour in Bangladesh
Young population is the most important resource that can contribute to accelerated economic and social development of a country. If engaged in economic activities of the country in a well-coordinated manner, they can be a formidable force in taking the country forward. On the contrary, if not addressed, youth unemployment can become a threat to social, economic and political stability of a country. Youth unemployment can result in demoralisation, depreciation in human capital and social exclusion (Freeman and Wise, 1982). Unemployed youth may gradually lose their skills and become mentally frustrated or socially alienated (Freeman and Wise, 1982). Youth unemployment is associated with malnutrition and loss of self-condence, which may lead to depression. Additionally, youth unemployment may instigate stress and strife within families. Prolonged periods of unemployment can be psychologically debilitating and increase chances of future unemployment or wage penalty (Bell and Blanch‑ower, 2009). Crime rates are found to be positively related to youth unemployment (Fougère et al., 2009).
Author: Fahmida Khatun and Syed Yusuf Saadat
Publication period: October 2018
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