Bangladesh faces a mounting youth employment crisis, with 8.07 per cent of young people unemployed, affecting 19.4 lakh, and a much larger 20.3 per cent classified as NEET — neither in education, employment, nor training — according to a recent ActionAid study.
The study highlights a sharp gender gap: 22.1 per cent of young women are NEET compared to 15.4 per cent of young men. It also exposed structural challenges, with 31.5 per cent of unemployed youth holding tertiary qualifications, reflecting a mismatch between education and labour market needs. Despite rising demand, 15–20 per cent of the education budget remains unspent each year, further limiting opportunities.
The findings were presented at a discussion titled “Fund the Future Now: A People-Centered Budget for Women, Youth, and Climate Justice” at CIRDAP auditorium, Topkhana Road, Dhaka, on Tuesday. ActionAid Bangladesh Country Director Farha Kabir described the year as one of renewed expectations and a chance to build an inclusive development model.
Bangladesh has expanded Gender Responsive Budgeting (GRB) over the past 17 years. Forty-four ministries now implement GRB across education, health, agriculture, social welfare, local government, and women’s affairs. Dhaka University Professor Sayema Haque Bidisha stressed that GRB must go beyond allocations for women and integrate across ministries.
The gender budget allocation stands at Tk260,767 crore in FY26 — 33 per cent of the national budget and 4.2 per cent of GDP, down from 39 per cent and 5.7 per cent in earlier years. Professor Samina Lutfa noted that increasing allocations alone will not ensure results if youth cannot access education, skills, and employment.
The study also examined climate-related budgets, highlighting gaps between policy commitments and actual spending. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister for Environment, Forests, and Climate Change Saimum Parvez highlighted initiatives in renewable energy, waste-to-energy, e-waste management, and carbon trading. “Climate finance, debt management, international funding, and inter-ministerial coordination are now receiving the highest priority,” he said, estimating nearly $1 billion potential in carbon trading.
Climate finance gaps remain significant. Fossil fuels account for over 97 per cent of energy ADP spending, renewable energy receives 2.89 per cent, and the National Adaptation Plan requires Tk74,200 crore annually but currently receives only Tk31,700 crore. Dr Ahsan Uddin Ahmed said average implementation capacity across 25 ministries is just 7 per cent due to weak accountability.
The study recommends expanded investment in women’s economic empowerment, safe transport, violence prevention, higher education, vocational training, youth entrepreneurship, and green and digital sectors. A youth budget tracking dashboard and stronger accountability mechanisms are also proposed to ensure effective spending and measurable outcomes.
