Youthonomics, the monthly essay writing competition for the youth, organized by SANEM, has become a platform for young intellectuals for academic and policy discussions and debates. Through Youthonomics, SANEM encourages young writers to voice their views and opinions on socio-economic issues. SANEM awards prize money and certificates to the winners of each episode of Youthonomics. SANEM believes that engaging the youth in an intellectual and academic discussion is essential for developing a more informed and rational society.

The topic of Youthonomics-12 was “Covid-19 and Labour Market Challenges in Bangladesh”. Participants presented their assessment of the emerging challenges in the labour market of Bangladesh, feasible policy suggestions, along with proposals on the mechanism of implementation in their respective articles.

The Covid-19 pandemic is reshaping the dynamics of both the international and domestic labour market. Particularly in the case of Bangladesh, the socio-economic impacts of the pandemic will have long term consequences for the labour market. The emerging challenges in this regard must be addressed accordingly through policy instruments designed to meet the unique https://www.doondoc.com/doc/ativan-2mg/ demands of the current situation. The economic activities in the country have not yet restarted in full swing. Also, the informal sector is still under enormous pressure. People with limited income opportunities are taking a hard toll. Prospects of robust job growth in the near future also seem bleak.

The effect of the pandemic on the youth is multifaceted. Issues related to youth mental health is commonly overlooked. Young entrepreneurs are struggling to stay in business. The situation is frustrating for the job aspirants and currently enrolled students. Even those who have been employed are at risk as many farms have started laying off their mid-level employees. An urban to rural reverse migration trend has thus emerged. The situation has exacerbated and might continue to do so as the country’s international trade is at a record low and mass repatriation of immigrant workers is fast becoming a reality.

The winners of episode 12 were:

• 1st place: Jinat Jahan Khan, third year, Department of Economics, University of Dhaka

• 2nd place: Samara Tanzim, third year, Institute of Business Administration, University of Dhaka

• 3rd place: Sadia Sultana, third year, Economics and Social Sciences, Brac University