Education and employment: What NCP's 'Second Republic' promises for Bangladesh's youth

The National Citizen Party (NCP) has unveiled its ambitious new manifesto on a "Second Republic", with a strong emphasis on youth empowerment, education reform, and future-ready policies. But what does it really offer to the young generation?

Points 10 and 15 of the 24-point manifesto lay out concrete, policy-driven commitments focusing on education, innovation, and institutional reform. The manifesto also outlines strategies for youth empowerment, job creation, and the sustainable development of human capital.

As a youth-led organisation, established through the 2024 July mass uprising, NCP aims to promote youth empowerment, prioritising their capabilities, cultures, norms, and expectations towards society. 

Under Point 10, titled "Education Policy and Nation-Building", the NCP promises increased investment in education to build a future-ready, knowledge-based society. The focus is on strengthening primary, secondary, and technical education, while also fostering quality research and innovation.

The party proposes aligning education with employment by expanding vocational, career-oriented, and nursing education programmes. It also addresses the politicisation of educational institutions, calling for clear, inclusive policies for students, teachers, and staff — especially in public universities.

They also gave importance to the concern regarding the politics of students, teachers, officers, and employees in educational institutions, especially in public universities, proposing the need for the formulation of acceptable policies. 

To promote youth engagement and deter drug use and criminal behavior, the NCP pledges to establish international-standard sports complexes in every district.

The 15th point of the manifesto, "Youth and Empowerment", prioritised the development of skilled human resources, enhancement of practical skills, and the export of skilled manpower to ensure decent employment for youth citizens, both at home and abroad. 

The party also promises to introduce paid internships across both public and private sectors to provide students with hands-on experience during their studies. In addition, they plan to expand technical training and certification opportunities, partnering with international bodies to raise standards and improve the global employability of Bangladeshi youth.

To tackle corruption, question leaks, and favouritism in public job exams, the NCP advocates for a grade-based, integrated examination system to ensure transparency and merit-based selection.

To nurture young entrepreneurs nationwide, the manifesto proposes building district-level hubs for freelancing and remote work, equipped with co-working spaces, high-speed internet, and secure payment platforms.

While the NCP's manifesto outlines progressive and futuristic goals for youth and education, the true challenge lies in bridging the gap between policy promises and ground-level implementation. As elections near, all eyes will be on how realistically these promises can be turned into action.