To say that the rising unemployment among graduates in Bangladesh has reached alarming levels would be an understatement; with a reported 800,000 university graduates jobless by the end of 2022, a number which doubled in just five years, this is among the most critical issues that Bangladesh currently faces.
Indeed, that it is a number that keeps increasing at what appears to be an exponential rate highlights the critical disconnect between our education and the job market. We have certainly made significant investment, of both time and resources, into higher education, yet so many graduates find themselves ill-prepared for the realities of the job market, with the current educational curricula clearly failing to align with the skills demanded by employers.
It is no wonder that we see the increasing frustration among the educated youth, the implications of which extend beyond individual despair and pose a significant threat to social stability. As young people struggle to find meaningful employment, their frustration can manifest in political unrest, as seen in the massive protests demanding job reforms and better opportunities.
With a new government at the helm, we cannot have our youth, who are the nation’s future, left feeling disenfranchised and disillusioned; not only will this continue to hurt the nation economically, but will have broader societal consequences if not addressed promptly.
Addressing youth unemployment therefore goes beyond economic necessity; we must ensure that their aspirations are met with viable opportunities. Aligning educational outcomes with market demands, and investing in youth development through appropriate policies, are just the first steps for us to harness the youth’s potential and foster a more prosperous future for this nation.