The article "Finding the superbug, the invincible bacteria" published in the Star Weekend on June 7, caught my attention as it demonstrated the rise of the superbug, a bacteria which is resistant to all types of antibiotics. As the superbugs are spreading quickly in our cities, soon we will not have any option left to cure our diseases. Wastewater samples collected from hospital adjacent areas and communities were found to contain bacteria resistant to anitbiotics.
The leading cause of spread of these superbugs is mismanagement of medical waste. Disseminating bacteria to normal environment helps them to get resistant, causing change in their genetic codes. So, for saving ourselves and future generations, we have to spread our vision. Government and all other concerned authorities must come forward to take necessary actions to manage medical waste and dispose of these appropriately and efficiently to prevent bacteria becoming resistant to antibiotics.
The article "Employing our burgeoning youth population" published in the Star Weekend portrays the country's unemployment scenario. High levels of unemployment among graduate youth begs the question of whether the universities of Bangladesh provide their students with the necessary education, skills, and training that the market needs or whether they are spending their valuable time teaching things no employer needs. Whereas sectors such as agro processing, information technology, ready-made garments, healthcare, education, manufacturing, and infrastructure development are facing severe skills shortage, the country is producing numerous graduates in other areas of study where there are fewer opportunities available. This gap between market needs and the number of graduates in arts and social science disciplines, for example, makes the situation worse.
In today's world, the role of universities cannot only be limited to impart knowledge but also to introduce job-oriented curricula and skills-based training in order for students to be successful in their careers. Universities should identify the skills that are assessed by corporate bodies for employability in Bangladesh. They should equip their students with these identified skills, attitudes and abilities to be more effective in creating skilled manpower. The gap between education and employment can be closed though employer engagement in education and training. In order to address these challenges, the government and other stakeholders need to establish a close link between employers and universities.
Md. Khalid Hasan
Institute of Education & Research, University of Dhaka
Empowering our burgeoning youth population
It is very disturbing and saddening when a university graduate has to struggle in order to find secure employment, and the fact that 2015 onwards this rate of finding employment has plummeted. It is a dilemma for students, as even after studying to the highest degree one has to scavenge for jobs. Moreover, the stigma of not getting a job worsens with time. Affluent members of society often go abroad to pursue education and after graduating, start their career there. But for people who are not so well-off, they have to stay here and make do with limited career opportunities. With time, the youth have to face pressure from society, friends and family which may lead some to depression. While on one hand, ministries fuss that there are plenty of jobs on the other hand, the common public is very much aware of nepotism in public sector jobs. Let's hope with time that the youth, who will shape our future, do not have to face such uncertainty for much longer and find a solution for unemployed graduates.
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