When young people lose hope, nations lose stability

The recent protests in India, triggered by allegations of irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), quickly expanded beyond examination concerns. They became an expression of wider anxieties over fairness, employment and the future.

With more than 2.2 million candidates competing annually for a limited number of medical seats, any perceived compromise of merit threatens public confidence. For millions of young Indians, the examination represents not merely admission to medical school but a pathway to social mobility and a secure future.

Bangladesh should therefore view these developments not simply as India's internal matter but as a reminder that nations become vulnerable when young people lose faith that education creates opportunity, merit is rewarded and hard work leads to a better life.

History repeats the same lesson

History shows that youth movements are often symptoms of deeper structural problems rather than the original cause of instability.

The student uprising in France in 1968, South Korea's pro-democracy movement in 1987, Tunisia's revolution in 2010, Chile's student protests and Sri Lanka's 2022 uprising all reflected accumulated frustrations over opportunity, governance and fairness.

In Tunisia, where youth unemployment exceeded 30%, Mohamed Bouazizi's self-immolation became the spark that ignited years of economic and political frustration. Similarly, in India, concerns over examination integrity have become inseparable from broader fears about employment and social mobility.

Young people rarely take to the streets because of a single incident. They do so when one event confirms years of disappointment and unmet expectations.

Bangladesh's moment of reflection

Bangladesh experienced its own defining moment during the events that culminated on 5 August 2024.

While interpretations of those events naturally differ, one reality deserves wider recognition: Bangladesh has a highly energetic, educated and connected generation capable of shaping the country's future.

The question is no longer whether young people can mobilise. They have already demonstrated that ability. The more important question is whether their energy will be channelled towards innovation, entrepreneurship, scientific research, productive employment and nation-building—or repeatedly towards confrontation driven by frustration.

The answer depends largely on whether institutions can preserve hope.

A national HOPE Index

Every young person silently asks five fundamental questions:

Is my education preparing me for the future?
Are examinations fair?
Will merit determine recruitment?
Can I find meaningful employment?
Will my life be better than my parents'?

Together, these questions form what may be called a nation's HOPE Index: Honest institutions, Opportunities, Purpose and Equity.

When the answers are positive, societies remain productive and stable. When confidence declines, frustration accumulates.

The challenge is global. According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), around 262 million people aged 15–24 are neither in employment, education nor training. Behind this number are millions of unrealised ambitions and lost opportunities.

Employment: Bangladesh's next strategic challenge

Bangladesh has much to celebrate in its development journey over the past two decades, including economic growth, poverty reduction, improved infrastructure and export expansion.

However, progress has also raised expectations. With more than 55 million people aged 15–29 and around two million young people entering the labour market each year, employment has become a strategic national priority.

Although many young Bangladeshis succeed, graduate unemployment remains a major concern. Studies indicate that around 28% of National University graduates remain unemployed, reflecting a growing mismatch between higher education and labour market requirements.

This is not merely an employment issue; it is a governance challenge.

Young people do not demand guaranteed jobs. They seek fair competition, transparent recruitment and confidence that merit, competence and integrity will determine success.

Studies indicate that around 28% of National University graduates remain unemployed, reflecting a growing mismatch between higher education and labour market requirements. Young people do not demand guaranteed jobs. They seek fair competition, transparent recruitment and confidence that merit, competence and integrity will determine success.

Trust is the strongest institution

Governments often measure progress through GDP growth, exports, investment and infrastructure. These indicators are important, but another form of national capital deserves equal attention: institutional trust.

Trust that examinations are fair.
Trust that recruitment is transparent.
Trust that merit matters more than connections.

Once that trust weakens, every examination, recruitment process and public decision becomes vulnerable to suspicion.

Infrastructure can be rebuilt within years. Public trust can take generations to restore.

Five lessons for Bangladesh

First, Bangladesh must safeguard the integrity of education, examinations and recruitment through technology, independent oversight and strict accountability.

Second, productive employment must become central to economic policy. Investment, industrial diversification, entrepreneurship and technological innovation must translate into quality jobs for young people.

Third, higher education needs urgent modernisation. Curricula must align with future industries, including artificial intelligence, advanced manufacturing, biotechnology, renewable energy and digital services.

Fourth, meaningful dialogue between policymakers and young people must become an institutional practice. Addressing concerns before they become crises is a mark of effective governance.

Finally, institutions must be strengthened continuously rather than only after crises expose their weaknesses. National stability depends more on credibility than authority.

These are not merely youth policies. They are policies for national stability.

Keeping the promise of opportunity

Bangladesh stands at a critical stage of its development journey. Having overcome war, poverty, natural disasters and global economic challenges, the country now possesses one of Asia's youngest populations and enormous entrepreneurial potential.

The next phase of progress will depend not only on infrastructure but also on the confidence Bangladesh inspires among its young people.

History—from Paris and Seoul to Tunis, Colombo, Dhaka and New Delhi—shows that young people become restless not because they reject their countries, but because they fear those countries no longer reward merit or protect their aspirations.

Governments, universities, businesses, civil society and families share a common responsibility: to ensure that education leads to opportunity, opportunity leads to dignity and dignity leads to hope.

Bangladesh's greatest investment is not only in physical infrastructure but also in the foundations of trust. Honest institutions build confidence, opportunities transform education into employment, purpose inspires contribution and equity keeps merit at the centre of progress.

Ultimately, the lesson is timeless: when young people lose hope, nations lose stability.

Md Nazrul Islam is a former executive chairman of BEPZA, former executive member (Planning and Development) at BEZA, a retired Major General of the Bangladesh Army, and a PhD researcher on technology, workforce transformation, and industrial competitiveness.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and views of The Business Standard.