United News of Bangladesh

Bangladesh is entering a critical phase in its demographic transition, with a shrinking dependency burden and a large working-age population offering a potentially powerful engine for economic growth  but the window to capitalise on it will not remain open indefinitely. The government expects Bangladesh to continue benefiting from its demographic dividend until around 2040 and is now preparing a comprehensive strategy to turn this demographic advantage into employment, skills, investment and higher productivity. The challenge, however, is not simply creating more jobs. It is about ensuring that young people have the right skills for a rapidly changing labour market, that workers in the informal economy are not left behind, that women can participate safely and fully in economic activities, and that the country is prepared for the sharp rise in its elderly population expected after 2040. According to an official document, the government’s development strategy will not remain urban-centric. It plans to introduce targeted employment programmes for marginalised groups, including illiterate people in rural areas, homemakers, senior citizens and the long-term unemployed. The programmes will provide training in poultry and livestock farming, handicrafts, cottage industries, small business development and digital skills, along with access to affordable microcredit and necessary equipment. Recognising the significant contribution of the informal sector to the economy, the government will seek to ensure safe working conditions, social protection, healthcare services and fair wages for informal workers, including rickshaw pullers, day labourers, street vendors and transport workers. Training opportunities will also be expanded to improve their skills and productivity. To fully utilise the demographic dividend, the government will focus on quality education, market-oriented skills development and employment-focused programmes for the country’s working-age youth. As the number of older people is projected to rise significantly after 2040 the government is considering a comprehensive action plan for the welfare and development of the elderly population, taking into account the opportunities and challenges associated with increased longevity. Under the principle of “We Will Work, We Will Build the Nation”, sector-based employment generation has been identified as a major priority. Through economic reforms, the government aims to revitalise sectoral and regional economies and increase domestic and foreign investment in industry and trade to create employment opportunities for the country’s youth. It also plans to establish an ‘Employment Exchange’ programme at district and upazila levels to create a fair and merit-based employment system. Registered jobseekers will receive support to secure vacant positions in different organisations based on their skills and merit. Those lacking the necessary skills will be referred to appropriate training centres to acquire the required competencies. The government has already begun formulating the necessary action plans and policy framework for the programme. To address the challenges posed by automation and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the government is also preparing a time-bound action plan to develop a skilled and capable workforce. It has set a target of creating 200,000 new jobs annually in the technology sector. Through training in freelancing and creative industries at colleges and universities, it also aims to generate an additional 800,000 indirect employment opportunities. The Ministry of Youth and Sports has undertaken projects to create jobs for young people through training in freelancing, mobile servicing, caregiving and foreign languages. The government has also adopted a comprehensive plan to improve workers’ living standards and strengthen their rights. In view of rising commodity prices and inflation, it plans to ensure fair wages through periodic reviews of minimum wages. Ten priority informal-sector occupations have been identified for determining minimum wages, with five sectors selected for the initial phase. An integrated inspection system will be established through coordinated efforts by relevant government agencies to ensure workplace safety. The government also plans to ensure appropriate compensation for workers killed or injured in workplace accidents in line with ILO conventions. Information on workers is being incorporated into the Labour Information Management System (LIMS) database, which will be used to facilitate access to various benefits. To strengthen workers’ legal protection, the Bangladesh Labour (Amendment) Act, 2026 has been enacted. Ensuring women- and child-friendly workplaces as part of an inclusive and discrimination-free labour market is also a major priority. The government will enforce a “zero tolerance” policy against violence and sexual harassment against women workers. Safe accommodation and transport facilities for women workers will also be expanded. A fully women-operated and women-managed “Pink Bus Service” is also being introduced. The government is adopting time-bound national action plans to strengthen legal measures against child labour, particularly forced child labour, and to create an environment conducive to children’s development. The draft National Action Plan 2026–2030 has already been formulated, the document said. The government’s efforts to ensure a safe, inclusive and discrimination-free working environment for women and children will continue, it added.