Bangladesh is currently inhabited by over 175 million people, with approximately one-fourth falling in the 15-29 age group, totaling around 47 million individuals, a number larger than many countries’ populations. More than half of the population is under 25 years old, with a median age of 27, compared to the global median of around 31. Each year, nearly 2 million young Bangladeshis enter the workforce, but a significant portion struggle to secure jobs in their field of expertise. Many focus on government job exams until they reach the age limit of 32, after which they shift to the private sector or leave the country. This scenario is at the core of this year’s World Population Day, with a theme centered on “Realising the hopes and aspirations of young people—today and for the future,” posing a critical question for Bangladesh.
The country is faced with a demographic dividend, a period when the working-age population surpasses dependents, potentially driving economic growth. Projections suggest that this window will close between 2035 and 2040, with the peak already passed in 2020. Failure to capitalize on this demographic dividend will result in an aging society. The outcomes for today’s 47 million young individuals will significantly impact Bangladesh’s trajectory over the next fifty years. Countries that have successfully leveraged this demographic opportunity have made strategic investments, a practice that is lacking in Bangladesh.
The challenges stem from shortcomings in the education system long before individuals enter the job market. While access to education has improved in Bangladesh, the quality has not kept pace. The country’s public expenditure on education remains below the recommended level by Unesco, leading to insufficient basic skills among children aged 7-14. The consequences of poor literacy skills at a young age translate into limited employability later on. Despite the rapid expansion of higher education institutions in the past two decades, the focus on memorization over critical thinking and the lack of industry collaboration have resulted in graduates lacking the necessary skills for the modern workforce.
The mismatch between education outcomes and market demands is evident in the rising unemployment rate among tertiary-educated individuals. While the overall unemployment rate remains low, nearly one-fifth of young people are neither employed nor in education or training. The private sector, which accounts for the majority of employment opportunities, contrasts with most graduates’ aspirations for government jobs. This mismatch leads to a significant number of graduates entering a job market with limited prospects, prompting many to either wait for opportunities or seek employment abroad.
The challenges are further exacerbated by gender disparities and regional dynamics in Bangladesh. Issues such as high rates of child marriage, adolescent pregnancies, and declining female labor force participation in urban areas contribute to the complex landscape of youth employment. Efforts to address these challenges have been outlined in national policies, but the fragmentation and lack of alignment between education planning and labor market needs hinder effective solutions.
As Bangladesh navigates these complexities, the focus remains on providing a responsive education system and creating opportunities that align with the ambitions of its young population. The current scenario poses a critical juncture for the country’s future, emphasizing the urgency to bridge the gap between education and employment to harness the potential of its youth.
