Unemployment issue
Photo: AFP
In a study of "The 2008 World Factbook", it has been revealed that the total population of this country is 150,448,339 (July 2007 est.). But it is quite insightful to see that about 63.4 % of this country's total population is in between the age of 15 to 64 years. This larger portion of people could be an asset for this country. But because of unemployment, they are in danger of being a burden on the economy. Unemployment is turning into one of the major problems of our economy. According to ILO, Bangladesh is in the twelfth position among the top twenty countries in the world where unemployment is rising. In another estimate it has been shown that about every year 2.7 million young people are becoming eligible for job but only 0.7 million of them are getting employment. Now the number of people who are unemployed in the country is about 30 million. This figure is increasing at an alarming rate. According to ILO, currently this rate is about 3.7 per cent. It has been forecast that by 2015, this figure would stand at about 60 million. If this scenario becomes a reality, it would be unbearable to live in this country, as there is a significant positive relationship between unemployment and crime. The government must play the main role for reducing unemployment. I would like to put this issue as an agenda for the next government as they would come to power with the mandate of the people. If nothing unexpected happens in our country, the next parliamentary election is going to be held on 29 December 2008. Whichever party is going to win in the election should make a consistent long term plan of action in the very beginning of their tenure to tackle unemployment.
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