‘Bring disengaged youth to mainstream’

Experts on Saturday underscored the need for an integrated social movement to bring the disengaged youth to the society’s mainstream for the country’s development.

They made the remarks at a webinar “Reflection of Youth’s Perspective in 8th Five Year Plan” jointly organised by the South Asian Network on Economic Modeling (SANEM) and ActionAid Bangladesh.

Dhaka University’s economics Prof Dr Selim Raihan said, “Different organisations in the country engaged in social movements should work in an integrated way. They should take the opportunities as a lot of positive issues on youth have been included in the 8th Five Year Plan.”

The SANEM executive director said that Covid-19 created challenges in all sectors and youth participation is needed to overcome them.

“Now, we should emphasise education, health and social protection. Corruption must be eliminated as well. Besides, the youth from remote areas should be brought under the social movement,” the economist said.

The manager of Young People of ActionAid Bangladesh Nazmul Ahsan said the 8th Five Year Plan is significant for the nation as the country is going through a difficult time due to Covid-19.