According to the most recent labor force census, at least 6.6 million Bangladeshis who are eligible for permanent positions are not given employment prospects. Additionally, it reveals that 2.68 million adults over the age of 15 are totally unemployed. The number is startling but not unexpected. One of the biggest issues facing our policymakers in recent years has been unemployment. Economists have noted that despite the nation's consistently strong economic growth, jobs are not being created at the same pace.
Finding someone without a job among friends or family is not difficult. The labor force survey paints an even grimmer picture of the situation. The plague of unemployment is causing many young people to lead difficult lives. Despite holding two master's degrees, many youths remain unemployed. Without a source of income, families are grappling with numerous challenges. In some tragic cases, youth suicides linked to unemployment have been reported.
On one hand, many graduates cannot find jobs, while on the other, business owners often complain of not getting qualified personnel. This paradox highlights a critical issue in our education system. Many industrialists have pointed out the serious scarcity of skilled manpower in Bangladesh. Statistics from the garment sector and other industries reveal that citizens from neighboring countries are employed in roles that could have been filled by our own youth.
"Many graduates cannot find jobs, while on the other, business owners often complain of not getting qualified personnel. This paradox highlights a critical issue in our education system. Many industrialists have pointed out the serious scarcity of skilled manpower in Bangladesh. Statistics from the garment sector and other industries reveal that citizens from neighboring countries are employed in roles that could have been filled by our own youth"
There is a severe discrepancy and skill gap in our education system, and minimal communication exists between universities and industries. Policymakers are aware of this mismatch but little has been done to address it. However, there are global examples we can learn from. China, for instance, implemented a significant reform in 2014 by converting at least 600 public universities into polytechnic institutions. Today, China's technical and vocational education system is a cornerstone of its booming economy.
Skilled graduates will find employment, whether domestically or abroad. If no opportunities exist at home, they can migrate for work. But if they lack qualifications, foreign workers will continue to take jobs in their place, which is already occurring in Bangladesh. The ready-made garment sector, for example, reportedly employs a significant number of Indian and Sri Lankan workers.
Many of our university graduates still lack essential skills, even after earning advanced degrees. The existing education system fails to prepare them for available job opportunities. While there is growing demand in technical fields, the number of qualified vocational graduates remains low. This is partly because vocational education is stigmatized.
There is a common misconception that technical and vocational education is meant only for dropouts, not for meritorious students. Due to the low social status associated with vocational degrees, many parents discourage their children from enrolling in such institutions. Yet, many vocational graduates earn well and support their families. However, when someone seeks admission to a polytechnic, they often face opposition from their families.
Surveys show that most polytechnic graduates find employment within one to two years of graduation. This is a sharp contrast to the outcomes seen in general education. Many polytechnic graduates also become entrepreneurs, creating new jobs for others.
We have already produced a large number of unemployed graduates. It is time to act. The most effective way to address our unemployment crisis is to focus on technical and vocational education. Simultaneously, we must shift societal attitudes toward vocational education. It should be recognized as a viable and respectable path for both meritorious students and dropouts.
The writer is a contributor
