Rural youth in Bangladesh face significant disadvantages compared to their urban counterparts, not due to lack of ability, but limited access to opportunities. Internet penetration is about 71.4% in urban areas, compared to 36.5% in rural regions, and nearly half of rural families have very low digital literacy.

As a result, many young people lack essential skills such as communication, collaboration, critical thinking, and digital competence, all crucial for today’s workforce. This gap contributes to rising youth unemployment.

Without targeted intervention, rural youth risk remaining trapped in a cycle of low skills and limited employability, restricting their path to economic independence and growth.