Here’s a stark reality check: Bangladesh is drowning in a sea of unemployed graduates, with a staggering 13.5% unemployment rate among degree holders—the highest across all education levels, according to the Labour Force Survey 2024. But here’s where it gets controversial: Could the government’s own policies be the root cause of this crisis? Over the past decade, the focus has been on rapidly expanding universities and churning out graduates, often with foreign loans, while sidelining the quality of education and skills training. The result? A graduate glut that exposes deep flaws in the system.
The numbers tell a troubling story. In just 15 years, the number of public and private universities has more than doubled, from 82 to 172. Private universities alone jumped from 56 in 2010 to 116 in 2025. Yet, despite producing nearly three-quarters of a million graduates annually, many fail to pass employment tests due to a glaring skills gap. And this is the part most people miss: Short-term training programs, often funded by the government, have failed to bridge this gap. Worse, many participants enroll not for skill development but for the allowances these programs offer.
Experts point to a disturbing trend: private universities, often run by businesses, politicians, and former bureaucrats, have turned higher education into a certificate-selling business. Regulatory bodies, meanwhile, have turned a blind eye, allowing young people to fall victim to this unethical practice. The government’s $1 billion investment in skills development programs between 2010 and 2021 has also come under scrutiny, with their effectiveness now being seriously questioned. Even the Skills for Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Programme, launched in 2023 with a $375 million investment, remains a gamble.
Here’s the bold truth: Mass-producing graduates without ensuring they’re job-ready is a recipe for disaster. Instead, the government should focus on quality over quantity—fewer graduates, but with the competence employers demand. But this isn’t just about policy tweaks; it’s about overhauling the entire system. Universities and training programs must prioritize quality education and practical skills, not just churn out degrees and certificates.
So, here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is the current education system failing Bangladesh’s youth, or is it the implementation of policies that’s to blame? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s spark a conversation that could shape the future of education in Bangladesh.
