How Skills Development can contribute to Peacebuilding Efforts in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a nation striving for progress amidst a complex web of socio-economic and political challenges, recognises the urgent need for comprehensive peacebuilding strategies. The recent political unrest, coupled with the protracted Rohingya refugee crisis in Cox's Bazar, underscores the fragility of social cohesion and the importance of addressing the root causes of conflict. By empowering individuals with marketable skills and enhancing their employability, skills development can contribute to economic growth, social inclusion, and ultimately, a more peaceful and harmonious society.

The Current Context: Challenges and Opportunities

Despite a 5.8% GDP growth rate in 2023, the country’s economic progress remains vulnerable and is threatened by persistent challenges. The recent political turmoil, marked by protests and violence, highlights the fragility of democratic institutions and the urgent need for inclusive governance. The country's education system often fails to provide graduates with the skills demanded by the labour market, leading to high unemployment rates, particularly among youth. This frustration and disillusionment can manifest in social unrest and political instability. Bangladesh's education system is not adequately equipping its graduates with the necessary skills to thrive in the contemporary economy, as has been expressed by experts in 2020s several locally and globally renowned newspapers.

Additionally, the Rohingya refugee crisis in Cox's Bazar has strained resources and exacerbated tensions between the host community and the refugees, creating a fertile ground for conflict. The lack of livelihood opportunities for both the host community and the refugees, as highlighted in a 2023 UNHCR report, has further fuelled these tensions. According to UNHCR, 95% rely heavily on humanitarian assistance.

However, amidst these challenges lie opportunities for peacebuilding. The government's commitment to skills development, as articulated in the National Skills Development Policy 2020 provides a framework for empowering individuals and fostering social cohesion. By focusing on inclusive and equitable access to skills training, Bangladesh can address the root causes of conflict, such as unemployment, poverty, and social exclusion. The International Labour Organisation (ILO, 2022) reports that the unemployment rate in 2022 was 4.2%, with youth unemployment being significantly higher at 10.6%. Addressing this skills gap is crucial for promoting economic growth and social stability. Moreover, skills development can be a powerful tool for reducing social inequality by providing marginalised groups with the opportunity to acquire marketable skills and improve their livelihoods. This, in turn, can contribute to greater social cohesion and reduce the potential for conflict.

Global Examples of Skills Development for Peacebuilding

Skills development efforts directly address issues such as poverty, unemployment and inequality by providing opportunities for individuals to secure livelihoods and break the cycle of poverty and unemployment. As youth engage in training or income-generating activities, their mindset shifts towards improving their lives, making them less likely to engage in conflict and more committed to positively influencing those around them and contributing to society.

The transformative power of skills development in peacebuilding is evident in various contexts, showing its positive effect in different places around the world. The 1994 genocide set Rwanda back by decades in development, leaving deep scars of loss and unimaginable suffering that would take years to heal. To recover from these immense losses, Rwanda prioritised skills development, focusing on marketable skills and entrepreneurship, which helped reduce poverty from 77% in 2001 to 55.5% by 2017 (World Bank). In Northern Ireland, decades of conflict were addressed through skills programmes like PeacePlayers International - which used sports and skills training to bring young people from different backgrounds together, promoting reconciliation and peacebuilding. Similarly, in Timor-Leste, post-independence vocational training reduced youth unemployment and promoted social cohesion, contributing to economic growth and long-term stability. Initiatives like the A study in 2003 found that participation in these programmes led to increased intergroup contact and reduced prejudice.

Skills Development as a Catalyst for Peacebuilding in Bangladesh

Equipping individuals with marketable skills can break the cycle of poverty and reduce economic inequality, which are the key drivers of conflict. In Cox's Bazar, providing skills training and livelihood opportunities to both Rohingya refugees and the host community can ease tensions and help people earn a living to support themselves and their families. For instance, initiatives focused on agriculture, handicrafts, and small business development can empower individuals and achieve economic independence. Skills development programmes can serve as platforms for social interaction and bridge-building between communities. By bringing people together in a shared learning environment, these programmes can build mutual understanding, break down stereotypes and promote social cohesion. For example, joint skills training initiatives involving both host communities and refugees in Cox’s Bazar can ease tensions through economic cooperation and social integration. To build a more inclusive society in Bangladesh, it's essential to expand skills development initiatives to include marginalised groups—such as women, persons with disabilities, and those affected by climate change—through accessible vocational training and employment opportunities.

Engaging youth in development programmes can give them a sense of purpose and hope, steering them towards positive contributions to society and away from harmful influences or destructive paths. Bangladesh has a large youth population, with Statista (2024) reporting that individuals aged 15-29 constitute 28% of the total population in 2023. Investing in their skills development is crucial for long-term peace and stability. Programmes focused on digital literacy, entrepreneurship, and vocational training can empower youth and channel their energy towards productive endeavours. As a case in point, the Youth Skills Conference 2023 highlighted the public-private efforts to promote digital skills training for youth, aiming to create a skilled workforce for the growing ICT sector. For example, the government's focus on developing the ICT sector and promoting digital skills has created new employment opportunities and contributed to economic growth. A 2020 market analysis, highlighted Bangladesh's emergence as a hub for IT outsourcing, driven by its growing pool of skilled workers.

Investing in women’s skills contributes not only to reducing gender inequality but also to driving economic growth, creating a ripple effect that strengthens community resilience and promotes more equitable social structures. In Bangladesh, where women often face discrimination and limited opportunities, skills training programmes offer them the tools to thrive in both formal and informal sectors. These initiatives empower women to challenge traditional gender roles, enhance their economic independence, and become active decision-makers, contributing to more peaceful and equitable communities. The World Bank (2022) emphasised the importance of investing in women in Bangladesh to promote economic growth and reduce gender inequality.

By equipping Rohingya Refugees with skills and knowledge, Bangladesh can ensure the reintegration of returnees to rebuild their lives and contribute to the stability of their communities. For Rohingya refugees who choose to return to Myanmar, skills development can facilitate their reintegration into their communities and reduce the likelihood of future conflict. The Joint Response Plan 2023 highlighted the need for skills development programmes to support the sustainable reintegration of Rohingya returnees.

BRAC's Role in Skills Development and Peacebuilding in Bangladesh

BRAC's peacebuilding initiatives focus on promoting social cohesion and conflict resolution through individual-level, household-level and community-level approaches. Centre for Peace and Justice (BRAC University, 2023) highlights BRAC’s work in promoting inter-community dialogue and conflict resolution in Cox's Bazar, where it brings together Rohingya refugees and the host community to address grievances and build trust. BRAC also works with local authorities and community leaders to promote peaceful coexistence and prevent conflict. These peacebuilding efforts are intertwined with skills development, as BRAC recognises that economic empowerment and social inclusion are essential for sustainable peace.

BRAC also recognises the importance of engaging youth in peacebuilding efforts and provides various skills aimed at empowering young people. BRAC's Skills Development Programme, provides training in areas such as electrical installation, plumbing, and construction, enabling youth to find employment in the growing construction sector. BRAC also runs the largest apprenticeship-based training in the informal sector where school dropouts, especially girls and women, are the learners. Furthermore, BRAC's emphasis on providing skills training to marginalised communities, such as women and persons with disabilities, helps address social inequality and promote greater inclusion. Skills development is not a solution to all of Bangladesh's problems; however, it is an essential instrument for the establishment of a more prosperous and peaceful society. While the country has made significant progress, it's not enough to simply implement skills development programmes; much more needs to be done. The way forward must involve targeted efforts in conflict-prone areas, ensuring inclusive access to training by removing financial and cultural barriers.

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