No More Than 5 Years in Government Jobs: Dr. Muhammad Yunus
Speaking at the grand inauguration of the "Digital Device and Innovation Expo 2026" at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Centre on Wednesday, January 28, he argued that long tenures lead to rigid "mindsets" and stifle the innate creativity essential for a rapidly changing world.
Institutional Renewal and Innovation
Dr. Yunus emphasized that as global objectives shift, institutions must evolve accordingly. He advocated for a complete restructuring of every organization every 10 years to ensure they remain relevant. "Progress is often blocked when people with outdated ideas remain entrenched in institutions while the world’s needs have moved on," he noted. During the event, he also officially launched the website and logo for the "Bangladesh Innovation Challenge."
"Jobs are a Modern Form of Slavery"
The Nobel Laureate issued a provocative critique of the traditional career path, urging youth to abandon the pursuit of employment in favor of entrepreneurship.
The Critique: He described the focus on "securing a job" as a misguided concept, labeling it an improved version of "slavery" that limits human potential.
The Vision: Dr. Yunus asserted that humans are born to be creative entrepreneurs. He called on the government to shift its focus from providing jobs to creating an ecosystem that fosters young "job creators" rather than "job seekers."
Legacy of the July Uprising
Reflecting on the power of technology and youth, Dr. Yunus recalled how the shutdown of the internet during the July mass uprising acted as a catalyst for the previous government's downfall. He remarked that just as the July movement opened a new political horizon, the Digital Innovation Expo would spark a revolution in the IT sector. He expressed his firm belief that the young leaders of the July uprising are the ones who will eventually lead the world.
The ceremony was attended by ICT Secretary Shish Haider Chowdhury, Special Assistant to the Chief Adviser Faiz Ahmad Taiyeb, and other senior officials. The four-day expo, showcasing cutting-edge local and international technology, will continue until January 31, with free entry for registered visitors.