Addressing the skills gap

That an increasing number of foreign nationals seek work permits in Bangladesh highlights the issue of skills gap in our local workforce. Reportedly, in the current fiscal year, the Bangladesh Investment Development Authority (Bida) approved 16,303 applications from nationals of 101 countries, marking an 8.0 per cent increase from the previous year. This trend, seen over the past few years, underscores the need for immediate action to enhance the skills of Bangladeshi professionals.

Industry insiders argue that foreigners are hired based on their skills and track records of driving industrial growth. Industry leaders often argue that foreign professionals are meeting the skills gap in our national workforce, particularly in the industrial sector. Many Bangladeshi investors often hire highly skilled Indian engineers and managers to develop local talent and support business expansion.

This reliance on foreign professionals has significant economic implications. According to the World Bank, foreign workers in Bangladesh sent home $137 million in 2022, though analysts believe the actual figure is much higher due to undocumented employment. The Transparency International Bangladesh (TIB) estimated the outward remittance sent by foreign nationals employed here at $3.1 billion.

Khondaker Golam Moazzem, research director of the Centre for Policy Dialogue, pointed out that the continuous rise in foreign workers indicates a deficiency in the skills of local graduates. This trend reflects poorly on the quality of education provided by local educational institutions and raises concerns about long-term economic growth. To address the issue, he rightly called for investing in quality education and robust training programmes. Additionally, there is a need for professionals' skill upgrading for economic growth and global competitiveness. According to the Global Skills Report 2024 by Coursera, Bangladesh ranks 96th in terms of workforce skills, significantly behind Vietnam and India.

The growing number of foreign nationals working in Bangladesh is a clear signal that we need to improve our local workforce's skills. The National Skills Development Authority (NSDA) and other relevant bodies must take proactive steps to bridge the skills gap. This includes formulating long-term skills strategies aligned with economic growth drivers and addressing the training needs of different sectors. By investing in quality education and targeted training programmes, we can reduce our dependence on foreign professionals, retain our skilled graduates, and ensure sustainable economic growth. It is imperative for the government, educational institutions, and industry leaders to collaborate and take decisive action for building a skilled and competitive workforce for the future.

Anisul Islam

Gulshan, Dhaka.