Unemployment is a serious problem for many recent graduates in Bangladesh. The numbers show that the overall unemployment rate rose to 4.63 per cent in late 2024, up from 3.95 per cent the year before. The situation is even more challenging for university graduates, with a 13.5 per cent unemployment rate in 2024. These figures represent many young people who face frustration and social pressure after years of study and effort.
This leads to an important question: what can universities do to help solve this problem? Is it enough to just give out degrees, or should they also help students as they move into the job market? I believe universities can and should do more. While they cannot solve unemployment for every graduate, they can create opportunities that encourage motivation, innovation, and self-reliance.
One practical idea is to hold a Startup Idea Competition every two years for final-year students and recent graduates. The university could choose the top three or four teams and give them initial funding and mentoring. Support should go beyond just prize money. Universities could also offer things like co-working space on campus, free publicity, and promotion through their official social media. This would help students gain the confidence and resources to turn their ideas into real businesses.
Of course, questions about accountability and transparency naturally arise. To address this, universities could require funded teams to submit progress reports on a regular basis, such as every two weeks or monthly. This kind of monitoring would ensure that financial support is being used effectively and that startups remain on track.
These kinds of programs could have a big impact over time. As student-led startups grow, they could hire new graduates and help reduce unemployment. They might also return the seed funding to the university. Later on, successful alumni could give back by mentoring new students, investing in fresh ideas, and helping to keep a culture of innovation alive on campus.
In short, universities should not only produce graduates but also nurture job creators. By investing in startup ecosystems, they can empower young people to transform unemployment into opportunity. The journey from classroom to company may not be easy, but with the right support, it is possible. And perhaps, this is the most meaningful way our universities can prepare students for the future.
MishutuBaruaPunna
Student
ESM, North South University
mishutu.barua@northsouth.edu
