“Degrees, but no jobs”; “skills, but no opportunities”; “dreams, but no proper guidance”—these concerns reflect the reality faced by many young people in Bangladesh, according to a nationwide youth survey.
Unemployment, skills gaps, mental stress, digital addiction, online gambling and drug abuse, along with limited youth participation in policymaking, have emerged as major concerns among the country’s young people.
The survey, titled “Problems of Youth in Bangladesh and Possible Solutions,” was jointly conducted by Shopnopuri Kallyan Sangstha and Bangladesh Co-Creation to mark International Youth Day 2026.
Students, youth organizers, volunteers, social and development workers, and representatives of youth initiatives from different parts of the country participated in the survey.
An analysis of the responses shows a common reality: young people have considerable potential but lack adequate opportunities, skills, guidance and platforms to realize it.
Unemployment remains a major concern
Many respondents identified unemployment as one of the biggest challenges facing young people.
Abu Huraira Sheikh, a member of FFCRJ, and Md Mahibullah, general secretary of Nobojagoron Chhatra Sangha, said many young people struggle to find suitable employment even after completing their education.
They said the problem is not simply a shortage of jobs but also a significant mismatch between labor market demands and the skills and preparation of young jobseekers.
As a result, many educated young people remain unemployed or underemployed for extended periods.
Degrees without adequate skills
Many respondents said Bangladesh’s education system remains largely examination- and certificate-oriented.
Kaunik Debnath, director of programs and operations at Ancora, said many young people hold multiple academic certificates but lack adequate communication skills, technological knowledge, problem-solving abilities and workplace presentation skills.
Tanjela Akter Ema, volunteer coordinator at Bengal Peace Foundation, identified the lack of practical experience and career guidance as major challenges.
Nandita Rani Pal, a student at Daffodil International University; Md Zubayer Ahmed, president of Udarata Youth Foundation; and Ahmad Saeed, founder of Changemakers United, expressed similar concerns.
They said digital skills, English proficiency, information technology, artificial intelligence and practical work experience are becoming increasingly important in the labor market alongside academic qualifications.
Gap between education and employment
Sadia Tabassum, a student at Begum Badrunnesa Government Girls’ College, said many students spend years pursuing education without gaining sufficient understanding of workplace realities.
Md Abdullah Al Mamun Khan, chief executive officer of IVDS Foundation, and Dhruva Chowdhury, a volunteer at OAB Foundation, stressed the need for more hands-on learning, internships, apprenticeships and job-oriented training.
They also called for stronger links between educational institutions and industries so students can gain practical experience alongside their studies.
Mental stress: A silent crisis
The survey also highlighted growing concerns about the mental well-being of young people.
Saleha K, a member of Disable Welfare Society Bangladesh, identified rising frustration and depression among young people as major concerns.
Rabiul Islam, organizing secretary of Gabura Welfare Society, said uncertainty about the future, lack of confidence and inadequate guidance are making many young people increasingly vulnerable to mental stress.
Sanjida Sumiya Suchona, a representative of Geo Avengers, said many young people are becoming frustrated because even after years of education and skills development, they cannot be assured of desired jobs, financial stability or a better quality of life.
She also identified global economic uncertainty, inflation, the climate crisis, political instability and wars as additional sources of pressure.
Digital addiction, online gambling raise concern
Respondents also expressed concern about excessive use of digital technology, online gambling and casino games.
Md Shariful Islam Abhi, founder and director of Islamic Society Sangha Burimari, highlighted mobile phone misuse and drug addiction among young people.
Ayesha Khatun Asha, community facilitator at Youth for Change, said excessive mobile phone use is contributing to reduced attention, wasted time and growing social isolation.
Md Golam Momin, a student at Jatiya Kabi Kazi Nazrul Islam University, identified online gambling and betting as growing threats.
He said the lure of making quick money is pushing many young people toward risky activities.
Reading and social engagement declining
Md Riaz-ul Islam, a volunteer at OAB Foundation, highlighted declining interest in reading among young people.
He said reading is important not only for increasing knowledge but also for developing critical thinking, creativity and values.
Several respondents also said young people’s participation in social and volunteer activities is declining.
Such activities, they noted, can help develop leadership, teamwork and a sense of social responsibility.
Lack of direction and fear of failure
Iti, a program officer at Ancora, said many young people struggle to make decisions based on their potential and abilities because they lack clear goals.
Adel Hossain, general secretary of Independent Blood Bank, said many young people hesitate to start something new because they fear failure. Some also lose interest soon after starting, he added.
He stressed the importance of patience and consistency in developing skills and achieving success.
Youth participation in decision-making remains limited
Jaki Mujahidul Islam, founder and executive director of Fridays for Rights, identified the lack of youth empowerment as a fundamental challenge.
Saifullah Bin Rafiq Chowdhury, finance coordinator at Rise Up, said that although various plans and programs are developed for young people, their participation in policymaking and decision-making remains limited.
As a result, many initiatives do not fully reflect the actual needs of young people, he said.
Migration and a ‘transit mindset’
A relatively different concern was raised by Aman Ullah, adviser to Dipanchal Foundation.
He said a “transit mindset” is emerging among many young people, with many viewing Bangladesh as a temporary stop rather than a place where they envision their long-term future.
Increasingly, he said, young people view migration abroad as the primary pathway to success.
This could reduce their long-term engagement in solving local problems, developing communities and pursuing social initiatives.
To address the issue, Aman Ullah proposed a “Local Stake Initiative” to make young people partners in local development projects.
Young people also point to solutions
Survey respondents proposed a range of solutions, including skills-based education, technical and digital training, internships, career counseling, mentorship, entrepreneurship development, accessible financing, mental health support and greater social engagement.
They said an environment needs to be created where education, skills, employment, mental well-being and civic participation complement one another.
Young people, they said, should not be viewed merely as beneficiaries of development but also as partners in driving it.