The Vice President of the World Bank for South Asia, Johannes Jütt, has revealed that nearly half of Bangladesh’s working-age youth have remained unemployed over the past decade. “Young people, in particular, have faced even greater barriers in accessing the labour market,” he stated.
According to Jütt, over the last ten years, approximately 14 million young people have entered Bangladesh’s labour market, but employment opportunities were only created for 8.7 million. This leaves around 5.3 million young people without formal employment, highlighting a significant youth employment gap in the country.
Youth Employment Statistics in Bangladesh (2013–2023)
| Category | Number (millions) |
|---|---|
| New entrants to the labour market | 14 |
| Jobs created | 8.7 |
| Youth without employment | 5.3 |
Speaking in a statement on Tuesday, Jütt concluded his three-day visit to Dhaka. During the trip, he met with key government officials, including the Minister of Finance and Planning, the Minister of Commerce, the Prime Minister’s Economic Affairs Adviser, and the Governor of Bangladesh Bank. The discussions focused on Bangladesh’s development priorities and areas where the World Bank could provide technical and financial support.
In his statement to the media, Jütt emphasised that the government is prioritising large-scale job creation, skills development, and investment promotion. The World Bank Group has committed to supporting these priorities, particularly to enhance employment opportunities for youth and women.
Jütt also highlighted that, in the context of growing global uncertainty, it is essential to address structural barriers that hinder economic growth and job creation. He stressed the urgency of implementing long-pending reforms in the macroeconomic framework and the financial sector to create a more resilient labour market.
The World Bank further indicated that it assists member countries in building economies where growth translates directly into local employment. This support includes investment in physical and human infrastructure, fostering a business-friendly environment, and attracting private sector investment to accelerate employment generation.
Since Bangladesh’s independence, the World Bank has been one of its most consistent development partners, pledging over $46 billion in funding to date. This package includes grants, concessional loans, and low-interest financing, aimed at bolstering long-term economic growth and social development across the country.