Approximately 42% of Bangladeshi youths are increasingly worried about unemployment, largely attributing it to corruption, nepotism, hiring discrimination, and a lack of work-life balance, leading 55% to express a desire to move abroad for study or work, according to a report.
The British Council’s “Next Generation Bangladesh” report, unveiled on Wednesday at the British Council Auditorium, surveyed 3,081 individuals aged 18 to 35 in November and December of 2023.
Among the respondents, 55% said they were interested in moving abroad, with 27% indicating a preference for Saudi Arabia and 18% for Canada. The report also noted a decline in optimism among young people about the country’s direction, with 51% believing the country is on the right path, down from 60% in 2015.
The report highlighted that 37% of respondents cited corruption and nepotism as the primary causes of unemployment, while 20% pointed to hiring discrimination, and 18% to family pressures. Additionally, 72% expressed an interest in voting in the January 7, 2023, national elections, but 65% said they felt socially isolated.
The survey also revealed that 27% of young women reported experiencing domestic violence. Furthermore, 30% of respondents do not view men and women as equals, and 25% oppose granting women the same freedoms as men outside the home.
Internet usage remains high, with 66% of youth regularly accessing the internet—77% of men and 56% of women.
In education, 49% of youth rated the quality of teaching as poor, citing a curriculum that they feel is misaligned with modern job market demands.
Lamia Morshed, chief coordinator for SDG Affairs at the Office of the Chief Adviser, attended the report launch as the chief guest and said: “The government is working to align its efforts with the aspirations of the country’s youth. Our core responsibilities include safeguarding human rights, enforcing fair laws, and promoting policies that serve the public interest.”
British High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Sarah Cook, who attended as a special guest, said: “The UK government is committed to supporting the interim government and the people of Bangladesh in building an inclusive, prosperous, and democratic future.”
