“Definitely, there’s a lack of coordination among government agencies in implementing projects for development of youths. That’s why we’re not getting the desired results in their skill development,” said Nahim Razzaq, an Awami League MP, while addressing the discussion.
ActionAid, a local NGO, and Economic Reporters Forum (ERF), jointly organised the discussion titled `Investing on Young People: What does the Budget Reflect?`at ERF Office in the city.
The function was addressed, among others, by former Director General of Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) Dr Mustafa K Mujeri, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) President Rubana Huq, ActionAid Country Director Farah Kabir, ERF President Saiful Islam Dilal and General Secretary Rashedul Islam.
Nahim Razzaq said the work of force of Bangladesh lags behind in the international labour market for lack of proficiency in English language.
For instance, he said, Nepal was there on the list of Qatar for supply of labour for building structures ahead of the World Cup Football, but Bangladesh was not there on the list because its workers do not have proficiency in English.
After Qatar, he said, the next World Cup will be held in Japan which needs huge foreign workers for development works but Bangladesh’s name is not there in Japan’s outsourcing list either. “So, we’ve to work more on skill development of our youths,” said Nahim Razzak.
Rubana Huq said the BGMEA is working on an idea that those factory owners who export over $20 million will have to set up schools in their factory areas to educate the children of their workers.
She said the government has to extend its hands with an incentivised mindset to promote such initiatives.