Speakers at a programme on Saturday expressed concern over rising unemployment and an increasing number of people living below the poverty line in Bangladesh, warning that the trends signal deepening socio-economic challenges.

They also identified mob behaviour and entrenched political culture as major obstacles to democratic reconstruction and employment generation.

The observations came at an open forum discussion titled “Democratic Reconstruction on Youth Employment” held at the CIRDAP (Centre on Integrated Rural Development for Asia and the Pacific) Auditorium. The event was organised by the Centre for Governance Studies (CGS) and moderated by its President Zillur Rahman.

BNP Standing Committee Member Dr Abdul Moyeen Khan said Bangladesh’s current situation is multidimensional and complex. Drawing from his experience, he noted that unemployment in Bangladesh cannot be fully understood through textbook definitions alone.

Referring to the official unemployment rate of 4.36 percent, he said the figure itself is not alarming, as percentages do not reflect the full reality of the country. “Such statistics often fail to capture the true context of Bangladesh,” he added.

President of the Bangladesh Chamber of Industries (BCI) Anwar-ul Alam Chowdhury said the July uprising took place centring on employment issues and discrimination in the labour and job market.

Citing World Bank reports, he said unemployment has increased and the number of people below the poverty line has also risen, which are not good signs. “Other indicators are equally concerning. Mob culture and political culture remain challenges, there is no long-term plan to address the energy crisis, and industries are suffering from a shortage of skilled manpower,” he said.

He also criticised the government’s portrayal of LDC graduation as overwhelmingly positive, saying stakeholders do not share the same optimism.

Zillur Rahman said that we know that the main drivers of the changes in July–August were the youth of this country. One-third of Bangladesh’s population is young, but among them many are educated yet unemployed, as sufficient employment opportunities have not been created.

CGS Executive Director Parvez Karim Abbasi said that according to a 2024 survey, youth unemployment in Bangladesh stands at 8.17 percent, with nearly 29–30 percent of graduates remaining unemployed.

He said around 700,000 graduates enter the job market annually, but only about 100,000 secure employment. Universities, he added, are failing to provide market-relevant skills, resulting in degrees that are neither properly evaluated nor effectively utilised.

“This structural crisis ultimately led to the anti-discrimination movement in July 2024,” he said.

Abbasi further noted that the private sector is also struggling due to inadequate capital, weak skill development initiatives and the absence of sustainable employment opportunities for young people.

He stressed that irrespective of which political party comes to power, increasing youth employment and utilising their potential must remain a top priority. He called for a sustainable employment framework through public-private partnerships, youth leadership inclusion, skill development programmes, education reform and practical investment models.

He also suggested removing the quota system in the job sector to ensure a fair employment environment.

Vice-Chancellor of Jahangirnagar University Dr Mohammad Kamrul Ahsan said statistics indicate a shortage of jobs, but in reality, the bigger issue is a lack of skilled performance.

“A graphic designer with only an SSC qualification often earns more than a graduate,” he said, adding, “We are producing graduates without considering where they will go.”

Highlighting future challenges, he said Bangladesh must prepare youth for the AI and robotics era by strengthening technological skills, building startup ecosystems and encouraging angel investment to turn young people into entrepreneurs.

Gono Odhikar Parishad General Secretary Rashed Khan said unemployment remains the biggest challenge for youth after graduation, noting that despite their crucial role in nation-building, the state has failed to ensure sustainable employment since 1971.

Economist and senior consultant Dr Mohammed Parvez Imdad, University of Dhaka Pro-Vice Chancellor (Administration) Dr Sayema Haque Bidisha, CPB General Secretary Ruhin Hossain Prince, DU Professor Samina Lutfa, entrepreneur and BNP Media Cell member Mahmuda Habiba, Rashtro Sangskar Andolon coordinator Didarul Alam Bhuiyan, Supreme Court advocate Barrister Shihab Uddin Khan, and National Citizens’ Party Central Joint Convener Sarwar Tusher also spoke at the event.