From School to Shadows: The Struggle of Bangladesh's Disillusioned Youth, a "Zombie Nation"

As long as religion is intertwined with politics in Bangladesh, true peace will remain elusive.

Dr. Pamelia Riviere 

Since the July 2024 movement, there have been many attempts, through constitutional changes and so-called reforms, to alter the historical narrative surrounding the birth of Bangladesh and the Liberation War of 1971. This resulted in many atrocities and acts of provocation against the supporters of the Liberation War in Bangladesh.

Recent events clearly indicate a growing influence of extremist groups and mob rule within the country. 

Notably, attacks have occurred on prominent media outlets, including Prothom Alo and the Daily Star, with instances of their associated building being set ablaze. These incidents have endangered the lives of numerous journalists and highlighted assaults on cultural institutions such as Chayanat and Udichi. 

The most tragic story of this week was the lynching of Dipu Chandra Das, a garment factory worker in Bangladesh, who was allegedly accused of blasphemy, raising significant concerns and calls for justice. A last-minute video recording posted by The Times of India on 23, December, 2025. It suggests that Dipu was handed over to the mob by his factory owner, and it appears the local police did not provide him with protection during the incident. Instead, he was handed over to the mob. This event has highlighted serious shortcomings in the interim government's ability to safeguard its citizens.

Additionally, journalist Nurul Kabir was targeted in a violent attack. Together, these events suggest the presence of a repressive right-wing government in Bangladesh, raising significant concerns about the state of freedom and democracy in the country.

The above tragic events indicate a growing influence of extremist groups and mob rule within the government, its administration, and the country. 

It is important to note that millions of deviated Bangladeshi youths committed all those atrocities, which is alarming. Bangladesh is facing a significant challenge posed by a school-dropout youth population numbering in the millions. 

In 2024, Bangladesh saw an increase in dropout rates, with primary dropouts rising to 16.25% from 13.15% in 2023, and secondary completion rates falling to 43.9%, resulting in an overall dropout rate of approximately 56.1%. This trend is fueled by poverty, inflation, and climate challenges, impacting millions of young people and hindering previous advancements toward universal education.

Bangladesh's education system is not effectively preparing skilled workers for industry, leading to rising unemployment among educated young people and making it difficult for businesses to locate qualified candidates, as noted by economist Selim Jahan. Another contributing factor is policymakers' complacency. Since the nation receives between $20 and $30 billion in remittances each year, they seem content with the current system. However, they overlook the potential to double this amount by sending more skilled professionals abroad, Jahan stated, as reported by the Daily Star on March 26, 2025.

Although UNDP figures differ, data from Bangladesh's Bureau of Statistics (BBS) in late 2023 indicated that approximately 1.94 million young people (aged 15-29) were unemployed. A more significant issue is skills: between 2016 and 2022, 14 million youth reached working age, yet only 8.7 million new jobs were created, leaving many individuals without the skills needed for available positions. Additionally, some reports highlight a substantial number of youth who are not engaged in employment, education, or training.

A substantial portion of these young individuals never had the opportunity to attend school, resulting in a demographic characterized by high rates of unemployment, lack of education, and illiteracy. 

As reported by the Dhaka Tribune on November 26, 2025, while the precise figures for 2025 may differ, Bangladesh is facing a significant challenge with its youth, as millions fall into the NEET category (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). Estimates indicate that approximately 12.9 million individuals, or 41%, were in this situation by late 2025, with particularly high numbers among those aged 15-24, significantly affecting young women and individuals in urban areas. This situation underscores the considerable potential of the country's uneducated and underutilized youth.

Many of these youths find themselves living in poverty, which can lead to feelings of hopelessness and frustration. Unfortunately, this vulnerable environment can push some towards criminal activities as a means of survival. The government of Bangladesh must prioritize developing comprehensive and effective plans to harness this potential labour force. Initiatives could include vocational training programs, educational outreach, and job creation schemes specifically targeting these young people.

 If this issue is left unaddressed, this growing population of jobless youth poses a significant risk to the stability and future of Bangladesh, as their desperation could fuel crime and social unrest. It is crucial for the government to recognize the urgency of this issue, as I have highlighted on multiple occasions.

 By taking proactive steps to engage and uplift these unskilled, unemployed young individuals, Bangladesh can help transform a potential crisis into an opportunity for national growth and social harmony.

These marginalized, unskilled, and directionless youths are increasingly shaping the future of Bangladesh, as their only asset appears to be sheer muscle power. Political parties in Bangladesh have been manipulating this demographic for their own agendas, yet these same youths have become a double-edged sword for them. In recent years, many of these young individuals have been turned into modern-day Frankenstein's monsters, procuring money and weapons not only from local political factions but also from various regional and international groups. 

This trend has contributed to the ongoing destabilization of the country, creating an environment rife with violence and lawlessness. This demographic represents one of the most vulnerable groups within Bangladeshi society, yet previous regimes have largely ignored the critical need for youth education and development initiatives. As a result, this vast and capable labour force remains untapped, leaving potential economic growth unrealized and contributing to ongoing social unrest. Without a concerted effort to invest in education and provide constructive opportunities for these young individuals, the cycle of exploitation and instability is likely to continue.

Through whose lens does the Bangladeshi new generation view the 1971 Liberation War – a secular perspective or one coloured by sectarianism?

Why are uneducated and unemployed youths considered problematic in Bangladesh? The answer lies in their limited understanding of vital concepts such as national history, sovereignty, and sustainable geopolitical environments. Many of these youths lack the intellectual capacity to grasp the significance of these topics or the international community's role in safeguarding their nation's interests. 

Instead, their primary focus often revolves around finding quick ways to earn pocket money and participating in socio-political activities without a deeper understanding of their implications. This phenomenon gives rise to a generation that seems disconnected from the fundamental values and challenges of society—figuratively described as a "zombie nation."

 Addressing this issue requires urgent, strategic intervention to safeguard Bangladesh's future. Rather than viewing these youths as a societal burden, it is crucial to invest in their education and training, channelling their potential into the labour force, similar to the successful approaches taken by countries like China and other highly populated industrialized nations. Bangladesh is already benefiting from significant remittances sent home by expatriate Bangladeshis, yet millions of youths remain trapped in a cycle of poverty, struggling to find pathways to economic stability. 

These young individuals should not merely be seen as a challenge but as an opportunity to strengthen the nation's economy. If their needs are neglected, there is a risk that Bangladesh could face radicalization, leading to groups reminiscent of ISIS, Al Qaeda, or the Taliban emerging from within its own borders.

 If proactive measures are not implemented in the next five years, the government may encounter an increasingly disenfranchised youth population that could be difficult to manage. It is imperative for the Bangladeshi government to acknowledge and address the vulnerabilities of this youth demographic. By doing so, they can contribute to the creation of a modern, democratic, and healthy environment for the country, ensuring a brighter future for all.

The illiterate, unskilled, and directionless youth in Bangladesh are increasingly influencing the nation's future identity. Lacking resources beyond their physical strength, they have unwittingly become pawns in the hands of various political parties, which exploit them for their own gain. However, this manipulation risks backfiring, as these youths are becoming a formidable force, akin to modern-day Frankenstein's.

 Fueled by funds and weapons supplied by political factions—both local and international—they actively contribute to the instability plaguing the country. This demographic represents one of the most vulnerable segments of Bangladeshi society, facing numerous challenges such as unemployment, lack of education, and limited access to opportunities.

 Despite this pressing issue, past regimes have largely failed to prioritize youth education and development initiatives, leaving a substantial labour force untapped and untrained. As a result, the potential of these youths remains largely unfulfilled, affecting not only their lives but also the nation's overall progress.

Teaching youth misleading narratives about the events of 1971 and the Liberation War 

This attempt, whether through formal education or through less overt, hidden curriculum, poses a significant threat to the integrity of their understanding and identity. This distortion of historical facts not only misguides the younger generation but also undermines the sacrifices made for Bangladesh's independence. To foster a more informed and responsible citizenry, it is crucial to halt these practices. By promoting accurate historical accounts and encouraging critical thinking, we can empower the youth to build a future that honours the true legacy of their nation. Only through honest education can we cultivate a better, more united Bangladesh.

Ignorance is not always bliss! In Bangladesh, a significant portion of the youth population remains unskilled and unemployed, leading to a troubling cycle of mental stagnation and social unrest. Many young people are eager to contribute but lack the vocational training and educational resources necessary to secure stable jobs. As a result, they often find themselves drawn into politics, where their vibrant energy is exploited by politicians seeking to harness their enthusiasm for personal gain. This manipulation manifests as free labour during political rallies and protests, ultimately resulting in a disengaged workforce and a generation lost to misguided activism. The consequences are dire, as this phenomenon not only undermines individual potential but also fuels mass disillusionment and social instability throughout the nation. A secular government must urge young people of Bangladesh to reflect on this. Let it be known—fanatics have no place in beloved Golden Bengal.

Until religion and politics in Bangladesh find a way to separate, the dream of genuine peace will continue to slip through our fingers.

The writer is a freelance analyst.