Alan Milburn is Right: We Cannot Afford to Keep Failing Young People by Design – Lessons for Bangladesh

Alan Milburn, former Labour government minister and chair of the Social Mobility Commission, has consistently warned about the systemic failures that limit opportunities for young people, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. His assertion that we are ‘failing young people by design’ is a stark indictment of policies and structures that perpetuate inequality. While his primary focus has been on the UK, the core principles of his critique – inadequate educational foundations, limited access to skills development, and a lack of social mobility – are acutely relevant to Bangladesh, a nation striving for economic progress and social justice. This article examines Milburn's arguments, contextualizes them within the Bangladeshi landscape, and explores potential solutions.

The Core of Milburn’s Argument: A System Built on Inequality

Milburn’s analysis, often presented through the Social Mobility Commission’s reports, points to several key failures. These include a widening gap in educational outcomes based on socio-economic status, a lack of high-quality vocational training options, and a labor market increasingly characterized by precarious employment and limited career progression. He argues that these aren't accidental outcomes, but the result of deliberate policy choices and structural inequalities that privilege certain groups while disadvantaging others. A crucial element is the postcode lottery effect – where opportunities are determined by where a young person grows up, not their potential. His work emphasizes the importance of early intervention – investing in early childhood education and supporting families – to create a level playing field. Crucially, he highlights the damaging effects of social segregation in schools and the limited access to social capital for disadvantaged youth.

Bangladesh: A Parallel Landscape of Youth Opportunity Gaps

Bangladesh, while demonstrating impressive economic growth in recent decades, faces significant challenges in ensuring equitable opportunities for its large youth population. Approximately 31% of the population is between the ages of 15 and 29, presenting both a demographic dividend and a potential source of instability if their needs are not met. Several factors contribute to opportunity gaps:

• Educational Disparities: Access to quality education remains highly unequal. Rural areas, particularly those affected by climate change and river erosion, suffer from under-resourced schools, teacher shortages, and high dropout rates. The disparity between madrasah education and mainstream schooling also creates challenges for labor market participation.
• Skills Mismatch: The education system often fails to equip young people with the skills demanded by the modern economy. There's a significant gap between what is taught in schools and the skills required for jobs in sectors like RMG, ICT, and light engineering.
• Limited Vocational Training: While the government has made efforts to expand vocational training through initiatives like the National Skills Development Policy, the quality and relevance of these programs remain a concern. Many vocational training institutions lack adequate infrastructure, qualified instructors, and connections to the private sector.
• Informal Sector Dominance: The vast majority of young people are employed in the informal sector, where wages are low, working conditions are poor, and opportunities for advancement are limited.
• Climate Change Vulnerability: Bangladesh is highly vulnerable to climate change impacts, such as floods, cyclones, and sea-level rise. These disasters disproportionately affect vulnerable communities and disrupt education and employment opportunities for young people.

Practical Implications and Risks

Continuing to ignore these systemic failures carries significant risks. A frustrated and marginalized youth population can lead to social unrest, increased crime rates, and a brain drain, hindering Bangladesh’s progress towards achieving its Sustainable Development Goals. The economic implications are equally serious. Without a skilled and productive workforce, Bangladesh will struggle to compete in the global economy and sustain its economic growth. Furthermore, the lack of opportunities for young women can exacerbate gender inequality and limit their contribution to society.

Opportunities and Pathways to Change

Addressing these challenges requires a multi-faceted approach. Several opportunities exist to create a more equitable and opportunity-rich future for Bangladeshi youth:

• Investing in Early Childhood Education: Expanding access to quality early childhood education programs is crucial for leveling the playing field.
• Strengthening the Education System: Improving the quality of teaching, curriculum development, and infrastructure is essential. Focusing on STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education is particularly important.
• Expanding Vocational Training: Reforming vocational training programs to align with the needs of the labor market is vital. This includes strengthening partnerships with the private sector and providing apprenticeships and internships. The government’s Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP) is a positive step but needs scaling up and improved monitoring.
• Promoting Entrepreneurship: Supporting young entrepreneurs through access to finance, training, and mentorship can create jobs and stimulate economic growth. Organizations like Startup Bangladesh are playing a key role.
• Addressing Climate Vulnerability: Investing in climate resilience measures and providing skills training for green jobs can help young people adapt to the impacts of climate change.
• Social Safety Nets: Expanding social safety nets to provide financial assistance and support to vulnerable families is crucial for preventing young people from dropping out of school and falling into poverty.

Next Steps: A Call for Systemic Change

Alan Milburn’s warning is a timely reminder that addressing systemic failures requires a long-term commitment and a holistic approach. The government, civil society organizations, and the private sector must work together to create a future where all young people have the opportunity to reach their full potential. This requires moving beyond short-term fixes and addressing the root causes of inequality. Regular monitoring of key indicators, such as youth unemployment rates, school dropout rates, and skills gaps, is essential for tracking progress and ensuring accountability. Ultimately, investing in young people is not just a moral imperative, but a strategic investment in Bangladesh’s future.