BANGLADESH is a country with a very high youth demographic, which holds the potential to become a powerful driver of national progress, provided they are effectively nurtured and integrated into development processes. However, despite this promise, a large segment of educated young individuals remains unemployed or underemployed. The government has repeatedly failed to implement a comprehensive and practical strategy to engage this vibrant group in the mainstream of employment and national development.
Many of these educated youths spend their most productive years preparing for competitive examinations, such as the Bangladesh Civil Service, or investing time in acquiring foreign language skills, like English — often without a concrete plan for employment. While such efforts are commendable in isolation, the lack of a broader employment framework or supportive policy means these activities rarely lead to sustainable job opportunities. Consequently, much of their energy and time is misdirected, leading to an underutilisation of their potential.
It is not uncommon for students to spend four to six years preparing for a single career path, delaying their workforce entry and missing the chance to contribute meaningfully to the economy. During this time, their talents remain idle and their potential contributions to innovation, entrepreneurship and societal advancement are lost. This prolonged period of unemployment often results in frustration and demoralisation, making the youth more vulnerable to disillusionment or manipulation.
To address this growing concern, national policies must shift towards creating realistic, inclusive and diversified pathways for youth engagement. This includes not only generating employment in both public and private sectors but also building an enabling environment for entrepreneurship, vocational training, digital skill development and creative industries. A collaborative effort among government institutions, private enterprises and civil society is essential to create a dynamic ecosystem that encourages youth to explore a range of career options based on their talents and interests, rather than funnelling them into a few oversaturated professions.
In recent years, research indicates that many secondary school and university graduates have turned to the digital gig economy — ranging from ride-sharing and delivery services to freelancing. While job nature is evolving, systemic adaptability has lagged behind. There is currently no structured policy or tech-oriented strategy to integrate these jobs into the mainstream economy. Bridging this gap requires identifying informal sectors, recognising their value and creating mechanisms for transitioning from informal to formal employment. Formal recognition not only validates their contributions but also creates new opportunities for these workers to thrive.
Unfortunately, ongoing research on youth development has shown limited impact due to methodological flaws and biases. Existing concepts often fail to align with market and business needs. Many researchers rely on simplistic statistical summaries without meaningful conceptual frameworks, leading to weak or inapplicable recommendations. While neighbouring countries are transforming informal labour into structured employment with substantial social and economic benefits, Bangladesh continues to struggle in defining a clear, effective pathway. Knowledge is abundant, yet institutional resistance, traditional mindsets and a lack of openness to new ideas inhibit the application of that knowledge.
The youth need structured guidance and accessible knowledge to understand how to engage meaningfully with the job market. Our educational framework must move beyond rigid curricula to reflect evolving business trends. Introducing early-career research and development strategies can help talented youth explore the market proactively, while others can follow structured, system-supported engagement paths. Adaptability in both education and employment policies is essential.
Bangladesh’s youth do not seek dependence — they aspire to be intuitive, independent and self-reliant. Self-dependence stems from access to real-time information, motivation, guidance and institutional support. The government, as the principal stakeholder, must play an active role in boosting youth confidence by disseminating clear messages that they are supported — both in terms of resources and opportunity. This can foster a win-win situation, where every young person, regardless of background, has an equal chance to grow and succeed.
Furthermore, the education system must align with current and future market demands. Reforms should prioritise practical skills, critical thinking, innovation and problem-solving. Internships, apprenticeships and job placement initiatives must be scaled up to offer hands-on experience and improve employability among graduates.
In conclusion, youth development should not be treated as a mere social responsibility but as a strategic investment in Bangladesh’s future. The energy, creativity and ambition of young people are vital assets for sustainable economic growth and inclusive development. It is time to move beyond rhetoric and take meaningful, coordinated actions to integrate youth into the very core of the country’s development agenda.
Dr Md Murad Ahmed is managing director of GRD Consultants Ltd.
