Decline in Youth Demography in Bangladesh

Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS)

Recently, the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) conducted a survey titled 'Bangladesh Sample Vital Statistics-2023,' revealing concerning trends regarding the demographic composition of the country. The survey indicates a decline in the proportion of youth and active individuals aged between 15 and 64 years within the total population over the past five years.

Key Findings

Decrease in Youth and Active Population

The survey indicates a decline in the rate of individuals aged between 15 and 64 from 66.19% in 2019 to 65.08% in 2023.

Furthermore, the rate of active persons within this age group has decreased by 1.11% over the same period.

Increase in Elderly Population

Conversely, there has been an increase in the proportion of the elderly population aged over 65 years, rising from 5.28% in 2019 to 6.14% in 2023.

The rate of people aged between 50 and 65 years has also increased from 16.9% to 18.4% during the same period.

Impact on Dependency Ratio

The rise in the elderly population has led to an increase in the dependency ratio, with the proportion of dependent elderly individuals rising from 8% in 2019 to 9.4% in 2023.

This shift in demographic composition poses challenges for sustaining economic growth and social welfare programs.

Utilization of Demographic Dividend

Economists and analysts emphasize the importance of utilizing the demographic dividend, wherein a larger proportion of the population is in the working-age group.

Proper utilization of the active workforce through quality education, advanced technology, and skill development is crucial for economic development.

Implications and Recommendations

Bangladesh is transitioning through a critical period of demographic change, where the window of opportunity for maximizing the demographic dividend is narrowing.

Policy interventions focusing on enhancing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities for the youth are essential for capitalizing on the demographic dividend.

Increased investment in education and skill development programs is imperative to equip the youth with the necessary tools for future employment and economic participation.

The findings of the BBS survey underscore the need for proactive measures to address the evolving demographic landscape in Bangladesh. By prioritizing investments in human capital development and creating an enabling environment for economic growth, Bangladesh can navigate the challenges posed by demographic changes and harness the potential of its youthful population for sustainable development.

Note: The report is based on data from the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics and has been synthesized for clarity and coherence.