With the election knocking at the door, every candidate is engaged in their last-minute campaign activities, seeking blessings and votes from the people. One morning, recently, I was awakened by a phone call. The caller did not allow me to ask who it was; instead, he continued talking for a minute and asked for my vote. A few days later, while in a rickshaw, I came across multiple election camps where they were playing catchy songs adapted for the campaign and asking for votes.
As a voter, I know my vote is extremely valuable. I have the power to choose my future leader through my vote. However, none of the election campaigns have “attracted” me. None of the candidates are discussing the issues that they should be as potential future leaders. As a representative of the youth, I want the MP aspirants, and the future government, to address the below-mentioned issues and I want them to be both visionary and practical in their approach.
Revolutionizing education
In 2020, Bangladesh spent only 2% of its GDP on education, which is the lowest in South Asia. This amount did not change in FY23. For FY24, the spending on education is even less than 2% of the GDP, even though experts suggest it should be at least between 5% and 6%.
Bangladesh needs big changes in education. Our future leaders should prioritize making high-quality education available to everyone. This means improving schools, updating old curriculums, and making sure teachers are well-trained and paid fairly. The aim is to have a generation of smart, educated people who can help lead Bangladesh forward.
The difference in education quality and access between urban and rural areas in Bangladesh is significant. Urban schools often have better facilities, more qualified teachers, and access to modern teaching tools, whereas rural schools struggle with inadequate infrastructure, fewer resources, and less experienced teachers. The government needs to focus on bridging the gap between urban and rural education.
Ensuring safety
Imagine waking up one morning to find that the shop providing your livelihood has been destroyed by a fire. In an instant, everything is lost. Picture a rainy day turned tragic when a little girl is electrocuted after stepping into rainwater where an electric cable had fallen upon. Or imagine yourself in the position of a mother who was travelling with her little boy by train and suddenly the train was engulfed in fire and life ceases to be for the both of you. Picture yourself as someone who lost a loved one in a road accident.
These are not just random incidents. They happen, and we read about them in the newspapers.
So, when someone asks for my vote, I want them to address these issues. I want development but I want safety as well. I want them to work towards ensuring a safe environment for us all.
Boosting employment and ensuring healthy workplace
The unemployment situation among university graduates in Bangladesh is concerning. Near the end of 2022, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) reported nearly 800,000 unemployed university graduates, with an overall unemployment rate of 3.53%. This highlights a significant challenge for the nation, particularly in urban areas where the cost of living is high, to say the least.
The current government has been credited with creating more job opportunities than previous administrations. However, there is a pressing need for the next government to continue this trend and address the critical issue of unemployment among educated youth. Otherwise, our most talented youth will continue to go abroad in the search of a decent life. We can not really blame them for wanting a decent life. If we do not create enough employment and set standard wages, McDonald's or KFC jobs abroad will always seem more lucrative to them.
Economic pressures are also impacting personal life decisions as many young adults are either not getting married or delaying starting families due to financial limitations. This is a direct consequence of the high cost of living in Bangladesh’s major cities, compounded by inadequate wages and rising inflation. To tackle these challenges, the future government needs to focus on several key areas: There is a need for wage regulation and effective implementation of labour laws. Recent protests by garment workers over wages are indicative of the broader dissatisfaction regarding compensation and working conditions.
Long-term strategies are essential to address issues like inflation and housing affordability. We need policies that not only generate employment but also ensure a healthy work environment and strict implementation of labour laws. This includes support for small businesses, incentives for industries to expand job opportunities, and safeguards for workers' rights and well-being.
Bridging the digital divide
The arrival of technologies such as AI creates both opportunities and challenges. Our leaders must have a clear strategy to ensure that rural and economically disadvantaged populations are not left behind in this digital revolution. Access to technology, digital literacy programs, and support for tech-based entrepreneurship could be key components of this strategy.
As voters, we hold the power to shape our country's trajectory. Let's use this election to demand leaders who are committed to these crucial areas, laying the foundation for a prosperous, safe, and equitable Bangladesh.
Our vote is our voice. Let’s make it count.
Kaniz Fatema works at the Dhaka Tribune.