This study delves into the challenges faced by unemployed youth in Bangladesh, revealing a significant disparity between the expectations of young graduates and the realities of the labour market. The findings, based on a survey of both unemployed and employed youth, highlight key areas of mismatch, such as salary, required skills, working hours, and working conditions. Unemployed youth prioritise prior experience, while employers value skills like writing and communication. A prevailing belief among both employed and unemployed youth is that foreign degrees hold more value than local ones. Many young people in Bangladesh were found to work more than expected hours for very low pay, and struggle to find internships that meet their needs. The paper recommends several actions to bridge this gap, including improved career counselling, collaboration between educational institutions and employers, and policy changes to promote work-life balance and encourage daycare facilities in workplaces. Addressing these misalignments can lead to a more efficient job market that empowers young people and strengthens businesses in Bangladesh.
Authors: Fahmida Khatun, Syed Yusuf Saadat, Afrin Mahbub, Maesha Rashedin Joita and Mohammad Abu Tayeb Taki
Publication period: September 2024