Bangladesh may reap the benefits of a demographic dividend if it can meet the expectations of its youth and gainfully employ its vast young population.
There is a gap between young job seekers’ expectations regarding the working environment, working hours, salary and employment benefits and the reality of Bangladesh’s labour market.
The salary scale in the private sector should be increased, and private-sector employers should establish a 40-hour work week, provide childcare facilities, and offer well-paid internship opportunities to final-year university students.
The quality of higher education in Bangladesh’s public and private universities needs further improvement so that job seekers and employers can be confident in Bangladeshi degrees.
Authors: Fahmida Khatun, Syed Yusuf Saadat, Afrin Mahbub, Maesha Rashedin Joita and Mohammad Abu Tayeb Taki
Publication period: September 2024