New opportunities in the job market

The job market for the youth in Bangladesh is undergoing rapid transformation. While technology and innovation are creating new employment avenues, competition in traditional sectors is intensifying. In this context, timely preparation and skill development are crucial for our young generation.
According to the latest Labor Force Survey by the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics, the national unemployment rate stood at 4.63 per cent in the second quarter of 2025. Alarmingly, the rate among educated youth is around 11 per cent, more than double the national average. Many graduates fail to secure jobs due to a lack of market-oriented skills alongside academic education. Surveys show that 29 per cent of job seekers remain unemployed for over two years, while 45 per cent do not even reach the interview stage, leading to both frustration and erosion of skills.
On the brighter side, Bangladesh's fastest-growing job opportunities lie in the information technology and digital sectors. Experts predict that by 2030, the IT services sector alone could generate 1.5-2 million jobs. Freelancing, web development, data analytics, cybersecurity, and digital marketing are in high demand globally. Other promising areas include renewable energy, e-commerce, agri-tech, and healthcare. Moreover, government and private investments, such as the World Bank's $850 million employment development project, are expected to directly benefit millions through skills training, entrepreneurship support, and microcredit facilities.
To seize these opportunities, the youth must focus on enhancing digital skills, completing accredited training and certification programmes, gaining practical experience through internships, and building professional networks. Encouraging entrepreneurship and innovation is equally important.
Bangladesh's ambition to become a high-middle-income country by 2041 will largely depend on the contribution of skilled youth. With education aligned to market needs and sustained support for entrepreneurship, our young generation can become the driving force of economic progress at home and abroad.

Sakibul Hasan
Dhaka College
sakibulhasanlearning@gmail.com