In today's Bangladesh, thousands of young men and women complete higher education only to face the harsh reality of unemployment. Armed with degrees and certificates, they are still branded as 'incompetent' by society, despite tirelessly pursuing opportunities and enduring countless rejections. Their stories are of silent struggles.
Our nation's most valuable asset is its educated youth. Yet, this group is increasingly being crushed under the weight of joblessness. According to the latest Labour Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), the unemployment rate stands at 4.2 per cent. But this figure is misleading. Many young people are underemployed, working in irrelevant or low-paying jobs. A World Bank report notes that around 2.2 million young people enter the labour market annually, while only 800,000 to 900,000 jobs are created. The rest remain unemployed or take up short-term or unsuitable work.
Several factors fuel this crisis. Our education system is still focused on degrees, not skills. Students often study subjects with little demand in the real world. Public sector jobs are few and riddled with delays and red tape. Meanwhile, private sector roles often offer poor pay and job insecurity.
Entrepreneurship could be an alternative path, but barriers such as lack of access to finance, limited training, and insufficient government support continue to block the way. Social stigma and family expectations further discourage many from venturing into self-employment.
To address this, the state must lead with an integrated action plan. Our education system should prioritise skills, internships, and career guidance from the university level. Government recruitment must be fair and transparent. A descent wage and workers' rights must also be ensured by the private sector.
Entrepreneurship must be actively supported through accessible loans, legal guidance, training, and market access, especially for youth outside urban centres. While initiatives like "Startup Bangladesh" and "Learning and Earning" are commendable, they must be expanded nationwide.
Ultimately, youth employment is not just a matter of personal growth; it is a matter of national progress. Families, educational institutions and society must play their part equipping young people with skills, innovation and the confidence to lead. Let Bangladesh rise on the strength of its youth.
Sania Tasnim Lamia
Student, Department of Mass Communication and Journalism
Jagannath University
tasnimlamia539@gmail.com
