Youth must develop 21st century skills

In Bangladesh, an increasing number of students are pursuing higher education without considering their future prospects. According to a survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS), over 12 per cent of highly educated individuals are officially unemployed, with unofficial figures likely even higher.

This trend is alarming. Students are overly focused on academic achievements, often neglecting crucial skill development such as soft skills and computational abilities, essential for the workplace. Consequently, securing employment becomes challenging, and adapting to work environments proves difficult.

Bangladesh's thriving banking and FMCG sectors are being led by natives, whereas in the RMG industries, top-level management positions are predominantly held by highly-paid foreign nationals despite it being the leading exporting sector. This disparity underscores the mismatch between the skills imparted by educational institutions and industry demands. It's imperative that policymakers devise strategies to bridge this gap and ensure that academic curricula align with industry standards.

Rafid Alam

Crystal Impression Ltd

MPM, DU