DHAKA: Bangladeshi students braved bullets to overthrow an autocratic government, but six months after the revolution, many say finding a job is proving a harder task than manning the barricades.
Dhaka University student Mohammad Rizwan Chowdhury’s dreams of ample opportunities for youth have been badly dented, saying he had seen little action from the caretaker government of Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus.
“I can’t see any fruitful initiatives taken by the government so far,” Chowdhury grumbled, a 25-year-old student who took part in the protests that drove autocratic ex-leader Sheikh Hasina into exile on August 5.
Unemployment was a key driver of protests last year. Since the revolution, it has only grown worse.
At the end of September 2024, the number of people seeking employment in the country of 170 million hit 2.66 million, a six-percent increase from 2.49 million the year before, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS).
The International Monetary Fund warned in September that economic activity had “slowed markedly, while inflation remains at double-digit levels,” with tax revenues down while spending pressures had increased.
For many, the euphoria of Hasina’s ouster is fading.
Chowdhury said that while Yunus handed cabinet posts to student leaders, he felt demands were being ignored.
“Although our representatives are part of the administration, I’m not sure whether our voices are being heard,” the political science graduate said.
Literature graduate Shukkur Ali, 31, scrapes by on odd jobs to support his elderly and sick parents.
“I do anything and everything just to cover the bare minimum,” he told AFP, adding that newspaper job advertisements have dried up.
“I used to apply only for white-collar jobs in educational institutions or banks — but failed,” he said.
“Now, anything is good for me. I just want a job.”
Independent analyst Zahid Hussain, 71, former lead economist at the World Bank in Dhaka, said that around a third of the working labor force are “underemployed doing whatever jobs they can to pay the bills.”
Bangladesh’s economy grew dramatically after its independence in 1971.
That was largely due to its textile industry producing global brands in a multi-billion dollar business as the world’s second-largest garment exporter.
But jobs outside the crowded clothing factories for university graduates are far fewer.
Educated Bangladeshis make up 87 percent of those without work, according to BBS figures.
The government says it is making every effort to address the issue.
Shafiqul Alam, Yunus’ press secretary, said robust tax generation would allow the government to invest in the public sector and create a “huge” number of jobs.
“Ensuring better revenue collection is a priority, as the previous government left behind a broken economy,” Alam said.
But Yunus, an 84-year-old microfinance pioneer, is also swept up in what he calls the “extremely tough” challenge of restoring democratic institutions ahead of elections slated for this year or early 2026.
Those reforms include an overhaul of the constitution and the public administration to prevent a return to autocracy.
“The interim government is preoccupied with managing the mess they inherited,” said Hussain, adding there were only “sporadic attempts” to support the youth, such as hiring students to assist traffic police.
“The administration isn’t functioning at full speed,” he said. “I’d rate them 50 out of 100.”
Challenges are daunting.
“The public sector can recruit no more than 20,000 to 25,000 graduates, while around 700,000 graduates leave colleges each year,” said AKM Fahim Mashroor, chief of popular online job site Bdjobs.
The private sector provides around 85 percent of jobs, but there is little optimism there either.
“Both the public and private sectors have been slow in recruiting since August 5,” he added.
And the unrest has spooked investors.
Bangladesh’s central bank says foreign investment between July and November 2024 was $177 million — less than a third of the $614 million secured under Hasina’s iron-fisted rule during the same period the previous year.
Taskeen Ahmed, president of the Dhaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, said the government should roll out programs to support young job-seekers including “loan schemes for youth to start businesses.”
Some like Subir Roy, a 31-year-old finance graduate who was nominated to a government job only for it to be rescinded without reason, said it was already too late for him.
“My father sold a small piece of land to send me to university... now I’m returning home empty-handed,” Roy said.
“I’ll join my father in the paddy field.”
Bangladesh student revolutionaries’ dreams dented by joblessness
https://arab.news/nrffa
Bangladesh student revolutionaries’ dreams dented by joblessness
- Unemployment was a key driver of the protests last year and since the revolution, it has only grown worse in Bangladesh
- By Sept. 2024, number of people seeking employment in the country of 170 million hit 2.66 million, marking 6% increase
18-year-old UAE resident Ibrahiem Alrefai claims victory at inaugural L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France
- Over 1,000 cyclists participated in 1st edition of L’Etape Dubai, the highest number of participants for an amateur cycling event’s inaugural race in UAE history
DUBAI: L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France made its grand debut in the UAE this weekend, bringing together over 1,000 cycling enthusiasts, from hobby riders and amateurs to elite athletes, and recording the highest number of participants for the first edition of any amateur cycling event in the history of the UAE.
The main race, held on Sunday, Feb. 2, saw hundreds of competitors set off from Dubai Design District (D3) on a thrilling 101-km route, navigating Dubai-Al Ain Road (E66) before a decisive push by Syrian national and UAE resident Ibrahiem Alrefai, along Zayed Bin Hamdan Al Nahyan Street (D54), delivered a first-place finish at Expo Village Park.
In total, the event featured the highest number of international competitors to have participated in the first edition of an amateur cycling race in Dubai, including over 250 Emiratis.
Alrefai secured the first-ever L’Etape Dubai title in a time of 02:17:24, followed closely by Ivan Kormshchikov, with Danil Konotop rounding out the podium.
Alrefai said: “Winning the inaugural L’Etape Dubai is an incredible honor. The course was both challenging and rewarding, and the atmosphere was fantastic with all the new cyclists, whether they were professionals or trying cycling for the first time. It was a true test of endurance, and I couldn’t be prouder to stand on the podium as the first winner of L’Etape Dubai by Tour de France.”
The female winner in the overall race was Olha Shekel with a time of 02:20:20, with Ebtissam Zayed in second position and Olivuja Balesisyte finishing third. One of the youngest female finishers was 15-year-old UAE resident Darcey Minton who took first place in the 50-km ride and was supported by race sponsor Skoda.
The event was backed by the Dubai Sports Council. The organization’s Secretary-General Saeed Hareb said: “We are pleased with the wide participation of cyclists, especially those who have come from outside the country to participate in this famous race that combines the luxury, splendor and beauty of the city of Dubai with the history, traditions and name of the most famous Tour de France race.
Hareb thanked the UAE’s leaders, attributing the success of cycling in Dubai to their continuous support.
“Dubai has become one of the most important cities in the world that supports sports in general and cycling in particular,” he said, adding that Dubai hosts international and local cycling championships throughout the year.
“February happens to be the most exciting month for cyclists as Dubai organizes a total of six cycling competitions, which (draw) the participation of thousands of cyclists of all nationalities, ages and abilities. All are keen to come to Dubai and participate in these events and benefit from the sports facilities designed according to the highest standards. These facilities include the more than 544 km (of) cycling tracks that connect most of the areas and neighborhoods of Dubai,” Hareb added.
‘Difference’ exhibition in Dammam celebrates Saudi artists
- Event features series of workshops, including art therapy sessions
- Diverse collection blends a variety of techniques and styles
DHAHRAN: A vibrant art exhibition titled “Difference” is celebrating the work of three talented Saudi artists.
Held at the Saudi Arabian Society of Culture and Arts in Dammam from Jan. 27 to Feb. 3, the exhibition displays the works of Faraj Al-Dossary, Maha Al-Askar, and Eman Al-Youssef.
Each artist brings their unique vision to the canvas, celebrating their individual style while seamlessly contributing to the shared theme of the exhibition.
Al-Dossary is showcasing a diverse collection blending a variety of techniques and styles.
Often drawing inspiration from everyday life, his work illustrates subjects ranging from coffee and flowers to rich Arabic calligraphy.
Al-Dossary’s 14 paintings, which incorporate impressionistic, realistic, and abstract styles, burst with color thanks to his skillful use of acrylic and oil paints.
His artistic journey, marked by a strong foundation in realism, has recently evolved as he delves into the worlds of impressionism and abstraction.
“After reaching a stage of mastery in the realistic style, I wanted to create something new,” Al-Dossary told Arab News.
“This new style has pleased many of my followers, and I’m thrilled to embark on this experience.”
As part of the exhibition, he conducted a live drawing workshop that drew crowds eager to witness his process firsthand.
Building on this captivating showcase, Maha Al-Askar’s artworks stand out for their dynamic style, featuring fluid art techniques with wave-like patterns and marbling effects.
“Each painting is a story that I have crafted with my colors,” she explained.
Al-Askar specialized in art at King Saud University and worked as an art teacher for deaf people for 20 years.
Her seven abstract works invite viewers to interpret scenes reminiscent of cosmic landscapes, with paintings that blend earthy tones with bright whites and blues, creating depth and suggesting light emerging from darkness.
Eman Al-Youssef is likewise capturing visitors with her art therapy sessions and abstract works.
With a portfolio of eight paintings displayed at the exhibition, Youssef emphasizes the healing power of colors and the transformative nature of art.
Her approach blends various styles and elements, including calligraphy, shapes, and squiggles, resulting in compelling pieces that encourage artistic exploration.
Youssef’s art therapy workshop on Jan. 28 focused on using art for emotional healing, guiding participants to explore their feelings through creative expression.
Along with the exhibition, SASCA held a meeting on Saturday titled “Writing about the past to imagine the future of arts in the Kingdom.”
The event emphasized the significance of historical discourse in shaping modern art, encouraging participants to engage with evolving cultural narratives.
Hezbollah's slain former chief Hassan Nasrallah to be buried in February
- Hassan Nasrallah would be laid to rest nearly five months after he was killed in an Israeli air attack
BEIRUT: The funeral for Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, killed last year in an Israeli strike, will be held on Feb. 23, said the Iran-backed group’s current chief Naim Qassem on Sunday.
“After security conditions prevented holding a funeral” during two months of all-out war between the group and Israel that ended on Nov. 27, Hezbollah has decided to hold “on February 23 a grand... public funeral” for Nasrallah, Qassem said in a televised speech.
Nasrallah, who was born in 1960, would be laid to rest nearly five months after he was killed in an Israeli air attack on Beirut’s southern suburbs.
Nasrallah was killed on Sept. 27 and had been buried discretely and temporarily according to religious decree, as Hezbollah officials had deemed the security situation too unsafe for officials and religious leaders to appear publicly to honor him.
Saudi Arabia plays crucial role in achieving Middle East peace, says Danish foreign minister
- Rasmussen commends Kingdom’s efforts in Palestine, Lebanon, Syrian Arab Republic
- FM ‘thrilled’ about first official visit in 9 years
RIYADH: Saudi Arabia plays a crucial role in achieving peace in the Middle East, Denmark’s foreign minister told Arab News during an official visit on Sunday, the first such visit in nine years.
Lars Lokke Rasmussen commended Saudi Arabia’s continuous diplomatic efforts in Palestine, Lebanon and Syrian Arab Republic.
He noted “the very crucial … and constructive role Saudi Arabia is playing in the entire region” at a critical time that has seen a ceasefire implemented in Gaza, a new president elected in Lebanon, and a new regime come to power in the Syrian Arab Republic.
“There is a real possibility that we could have peace in Syria, but also (to) a large extent a more … peaceful region,” Rasmussen added.
The foreign minister underlined that his visit to the Kingdom is driven by two key objectives: to recognize Saudi Arabia’s constructive role in the region and to strengthen bilateral ties across various sectors such as trade and investment.
Rasmussen’s visit is the first by a Danish foreign minister to Saudi Arabia in over nine years.
“Finally, I’m here, and I’m very thrilled about it for many good reasons,” he told Arab News.
His visit coincided with that of the Syrian Arab Republic’s President Ahmed Al-Sharaa, who was in Riyadh on his first official visit since he led the overthrow of the Assad regime late last year.
Speaking of the country’s new leader, Rasmussen expressed he was “happy” with the developments that took place in Damascus, adding that “Saudi Arabia is a very important player in all this” and that “there’s a real possibility of a long-lasting peace and a much more stable region.
“Of course, we recognize that there are dilemmas, given the past of the new leader, so to speak …
“Should we pay attention to his curriculum vitae, or should we pay attention to the speeches he’s giving now? … I think the jury’s still out, but we want to give him the benefit of the doubt,” Rasmussen said.
Denmark intends to engage with the new Syrian Arab Republic government, he said, explaining that as a foreign minister, he has introduced humanitarian assistance packages to the Syrian Arab Republic following the announcement of the government.
Rasmussen said the aid was introduced for two reasons: to assist in a humanitarian sense and to send a message from Denmark to Syrian Arab Republic that the former was ready and willing to engage.
During his visit, the foreign minister is set to meet with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan to discuss geopolitical relations further.
On the topic of the recent ceasefire in Palestine, the Danish official stressed that a two-state solution is the “only solution” to the reconstruction of Gaza, addressing statements made by other world leaders that the solution cannot be “exporting the Palestinian problem to neighboring countries.”
Rasmussen said: “I support a two-state solution … that is a consensus decision in the Danish parliament and has been our position for many, many years.
“And that’s why we have joined the global coalition behind the two-state solution,” he added, referring to the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.
“And I want to commend my good colleague in Saudi Arabia for taking this initiative together with the European Union. I think that is, at the end of the day, the only suitable solution.”
He added that a two-state solution is also in Israel’s best interest.
“You can’t solve that problem without creating a sovereign Palestine state, and any idea of just exporting the Palestinian problem to neighboring countries … It’s not doable,” he said.
Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Qatar, the Palestinian Authority and the Arab League recently released a joint statement in response to US President Donald Trump, rejecting his proposal that regional leaders take in Palestinians from Gaza.
“Jordan (has) already done tremendously good work and shown a lot of generosity hosting many, many Palestinian refugees,” Rasmussen said.
“Now we need the ceasefire, and then we need a proper discussion about reconstruction in Gaza,” he said.
The official stressed that the Palestinian Authority must also be involved in the solution.
He proposed that the EU aid the Palestinian Authority “in order to give them the needed competencies to take upon themselves this task.”
The foreign minister also addressed the status of relations between Denmark and the US following Trump’s attempts to acquire the Danish territory of Greenland.
“I think the narrative that all Greenlanders should prefer to become Americans is not a true narrative,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Rasmussen said that he and Trump “have an excellent working relationship.
“Frankly … and I don’t think it will offend him, he’s kind of (a) different politician. But we managed to overcome that,” he said.
He added that despite the “America first” policy and “tariffs” in Trump’s first term, Danish-American relations actually managed to grow stronger, with the US becoming Denmark’s largest export market.
“We have awaited his inauguration,” he said.
“Equally as important (are) the bilateral relations between the Kingdom of Denmark and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where I really think there’s huge potential for further cooperation.
“I really want to recognize the development in Saudi Arabia, which is quite impressive.”
While Denmark is a small country, it is home to world-class companies with strongholds in green energy, food security and water management, Rasmussen said.
During his trip, the official will also meet with Saudi Minister of Transport and Logistics Services Saleh Al-Jasser, with whom he plans to sign a memorandum of understanding, the details of which have not yet been disclosed.
King of Jordan to meet US President Donald Trump in Washington
- King Abdullah will be the first Arab leader to meet with Trump in his second term
LONDON: Jordan’s King Abdullah II will meet with US President Donald Trump in Washington, D.C., the Jordan News Agency, also known as Petra, reported.
King Abdullah will be the first Arab leader to meet with Trump since his inauguration to the Oval Office in January.
Petra announced on Sunday afternoon that the monarch will meet Trump on Feb. 11 after receiving an invitation from the White House.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is set to visit Washington on Tuesday, making him the first foreign leader to meet with Trump since his inauguration.
Analysts say Trump will discuss various issues with the two Middle Eastern leaders, including the terms of a second phase of the ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip and the flow of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian coastal enclave.
