The National Youth Policy of 2003 defines a Bangladeshi youth as an individual aged between 18 and 34. In coherence with established population models of developing nations, Bangladesh has observed a consistent increase in the growth of its youth populace. Our major political parties have highlighted the importance of the younger generation to our national story. Nevertheless, huge questions remain as to the efforts of the state in mobilising its youth or the proportion of tangible resources directed towards youth development programmes. One of the ways that Bangladesh may enhance its national youth engagement initiatives is through Government Internship Programmes. 

A 2015 report by the education analysis-based organisation ICEF Monitor, suggested that total tertiary enrolment has tripled in Bangladesh since 2000, yet only approximately 15 percent of the total college-age population are enrolled in tertiary education. There are two aspects of this which needs to be addressed. The first is the government's duty of continuing to promote post-secondary education through the initiation, growth and sustenance of both public and private universities across Bangladesh. The second is to create an environment and a subsidiary support-network for those 15 percent to showcase their skills in a professional environment. In the former, both the BNP and the Awami League governments have been successful over time. Yet in the latter, our governments have been less effective. In other words, it has been very difficult to immerse the educated youth into our national activities. The human resources are surely and steadily being established, but one has doubts as to whether they are being utilised optimally. 

Government supported internship programmes would create a forum for young graduates or students entering their final year of graduation to learn their skills professionally, in a state-level environment. The Ministry of Fisheries could offer a 3-month internship to students undertaking a Bachelor's degree in the field of fisheries, whereas someone completing a degree in Political Science could apply for a similar internship at the Anti-Corruption or Election Commission. In summary, all government departments and state-level institutions such as the courts, military and regulators could provide students with the opportunity of participating in an environment which would not only attract them to apply to government jobs in future, but also increase the awareness of the youth regarding various national programmes. Additionally, an internship at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for example would also allow Foreign Service officials to train and retain the best from the group of students, and utilise their services once they graduate. From a different perspective, the availability of government internships would allow students studying subjects apart from the traditional business, medicine, engineering or economics fields, to look at government-jobs as a viable option. The private sector has initiated internship programmes across many of its industries, and human resources analysis suggests that the quality of workforce has increased dramatically in Bangladesh. The public sector requires something similar. Although achieving such a scheme might seem difficult, empirical and logical examination suggests that it is not the case.

The primary concern that the government might have, is naturally, the cost. How much of the fiscal budgetary allocation would such a programme require? Where would the funds need to be divested? If Bangladesh does adopt the Malaysian-model of economic development, as so many of our politicians have pointed out, then the cost-issue is solved pretty simply. At an internship stage in Malaysia, an intern does not get more than a minimal one-time stipend in most cases. Students do not demand a high-pay, but want an experience at a professional setting. For the Bangladesh government, it would mean utilising the best young minds of the country at a low cost, as there would be no concern of paying monthly salaries. In terms of training individuals to supervise young interns, yes the government would ideally have to invest in training officials for a short-period of time. One would have to overcome the intricate levels of bureaucracy and inter-departmental rifts in order for such a project to work, and that would require coaching. At the same time however, it would instil a much needed revamp of positive cooperative culture in our national institutions. For far too long have Ministries and government departments been accused of being lethargic and out-dated organisations. An injection of fresh new blood into our old institutions may not be the worst idea. 

From a broader perspective, Bangladesh needs its youth to be employable after graduation. At the same time, it needs them to also take interest in government and governance. A government internship scheme provides an amalgamated solution for both. One can be 100 percent certain that a student graduating in International Relations from Dhaka University would be delighted at the idea of experiencing a 3-month summer internship at the Bangladeshi High Commission in India. The particulars of the time-frame of such internships, the participating departments and other complexities would need to be figured out once a plan is indeed set forth. As of now it has not. It would require the integrated efforts of the Ministry of Education, the National Youth Department and the Prime Ministers' Office amongst other departments, in order for such a project to even see the light of day. But most importantly, it would require the wholehearted acceptance of our current political leadership that something needs to be done to increase the participation of our educated youth in our state institutions. 

Let me be very honest here, the very thought of such a scheme is purely aspirational. But we as a nation need to be forward thinking. We as a nation need to dream big whilst remaining practical. We need our youth to start being part of the nation's governance. We need our best working minds to make the state more efficient. We need brighter, bolder and fresher ideas to energise our national institutions. If the notion of Digital Bangladesh received such wonderful traction over such a short period of time, then I am very sure that with the right desire of our government, we can make the scheme a success. If we have a group of educated young students struggling to get professional experience or unable to get a job in the private sector, then it will surely contribute to the complications of narcotics, radicalism and mental health. Let us try and minimise this and proudly be a nation which leads its youth, not one which forgets them. 

The writer is a student of Economics and International Relations, University of Toronto. 

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