Bangladesh, a developing country with a population of over 170 million, struggles to convert its large population into productive wealth. According to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS) Labor Force Survey-2024, around 9 lakh highly educated individuals are unemployed, while the total number of unemployed ranges between 25-27 lakh. Many job-seeking graduates face mental stress, and in some cases, resort to extreme measures like suicide.
The root of the problem lies in the education system, where the focus is often on obtaining certificates rather than practical knowledge. Most subjects in higher education do not guarantee subject-based jobs, except for teaching. Each year, around 700,000 graduates enter the job market, yet fewer than 7,000 are hired in teaching professions. This mismatch has led to a rapidly rising unemployment rate.
Physical education and sports science have emerged as promising fields to tackle unemployment. These disciplines focus on physical and mental fitness, leadership, skill development, and intellectual growth. Graduates in this field rarely remain unemployed. Currently, four public universities and one private university offer honors and master's degrees in physical education and sports science. Additionally, six government and 20 private colleges under the National University, as well as Uttara University, provide professional degrees like B.P.Ed.
Graduates with honors or master's degrees in physical education are eligible for positions as teachers, trainers, or sports personnel in schools, colleges, universities, training academies, English-medium schools, and district sports offices. According to the recent 18th Teacher Registration Examination, out of 4,600 vacant posts in private schools and colleges, only 1,700 were filled, leaving more than 3,000 opportunities available. The government's Physical Education Teacher Policy has further expanded job prospects in schools and primary education.
Thus, studying physical education and sports science offers a practical solution to unemployment while contributing to a healthier, skilled, and productive society.
Md. Raihan Hossin
Lecturer
Govt. College of Physical Education, Barishal
