The PM has rightly underlined the need for skilled manpower for taking Bangladesh culturally, socially and economically forward. While handing out the Prime Minister’s Gold medal to 265 meritorious students from public and private universities, she made a call for keeping education as par the evolution of global society.

Bangladesh’s literacy rate, which was once a matter of derision, now stands at 72.3 per cent – a clear indication that the nation is moving towards the right direction. The government’s allocation of Tk3.75 crore in 2016-17 for research to be carried out by doctoral level students plus Tk4.50 crore allocated for fiscal year 2017-18 earmarked for general research speak volumes about the steadfast determination of the authority to provide all out facilities to meritorious students. However, for the youth of today to develop skills, more attention needs to be attached to creativity and entrepreneurship. Of course academic excellence needs to be acknowledged but mere top grades in exams often do not ensure that the individual will make a constructive mark in the progress of society.

It would be prudent to also launch an award recognising entrepreneurial/innovative spirit of an individual irrespective of his/her academic background. Therefore, the young man in the village who has used indigenous technology to make a motorbike, teenage girls in Mymensigh who have formed a social vigilante group to fight child marriage or, the film-maker who highlights integrity in general people are the ones that have to be given prizes. Skills will be developed when innovative ideas can find a platform with creative minds given financial support. As for academically brilliant students, enough incentives should be provided so they do not feel the urge to migrate to a distant country, ending up using their talent for the progress of another community.

Also, in the promotion of people with skills, the issue of political allegiance should be marginalised.

If there is impartiality in the recognition of young talent, many people will feel the motivation to remain in Bangladesh instead of taking up residence elsewhere. Obviously, this will happen when our young are given a fair chance to compete for high posts at multi-national companies based in Bangladesh.

Unfortunately, there remains a glass ceiling which prevents local experts from holding top positions at globally recognised institutions. This prejudiced treatment has to be addressed if we want to see youngsters of today reach the top. Today’s young Bangladeshis are growing up in a country where there is disposable income, wealth, comfort and upward social mobility. They will flourish when artificial barriers in front of them are removed.