Lack of upward mobility in vocational training hampers skilled workforce: Experts

Highlights:

• Experts say engineering student protests reflect blocked upward mobility
• Training programmes affected by corruption, many unskilled workers migrate
• Country needs 2.2m new jobs annually, 2m workers moving from agriculture
• Job market rapidly changing due to AI, long-term policies required
• RMG sector shows "jobless growth" as production doubled, employment rose 1%
• More STEM, critical thinking, problem-solving, apprenticeships needed
• Clear roadmap, long-term policy needed for next two decades
• Private sector should lead workforce development with incentives

Economists and academics have said educational mobility is largely absent in Bangladesh, leaving those who enter vocational education with limited opportunities for upward progression.

The country must prioritise education and skills development to achieve sustainable growth and meet labour market demands, they said at the first day of the Bengal Delta Conference 2025 held at a Dhaka hotel today (29 August).

Enamul Haque, director general of the Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS), criticised the country's Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) system, saying it lacks pathways for upward progression.

"Educational mobility is almost non-existent in Bangladesh. Those who enter vocational programmes rarely get opportunities to advance," he said. "A diploma can't lead to an MBA. Nursing doesn't open the path to becoming a doctor. This is an illogical structure."

Referring to the recent protests by engineering students in Dhaka, Enamul said, "The unrest you have seen over the past two days is a reflection of the same barrier. We don't allow people to move upwards."

He added that research and innovation are critical for economic progress. "If we do not invest in higher education and innovation, the economy cannot achieve its desired growth."

He cited an example, saying that Bangladesh's first major innovation came in 1980, when Buet developed the "Mishuk" three-wheeler. In 2025, Buet's second creation was a battery-powered rickshaw.

"This shows we are still stuck with three-wheelers. We need to think more clearly and innovate effectively," he added.

On employment, Enamul said Bangladesh needs at least 2.2 million new jobs annually, while around 2 million workers are shifting from agriculture to other sectors.

"At the same time, the job market is rapidly changing due to artificial intelligence. The government must develop long-term policies to address these shifts," he said.

He also questioned the growth of the garment sector. Citing a BIDS research, he said between 2018 and 2022, garment production doubled while employment increased by only 1%, signalling "jobless growth."

He added that although large green factories have emerged, some parts of the industry are suspected of financial irregularities, and the government must take notice.

"Bangladesh sits at the heart of Asia," he said. "Its geographical location can support a service-driven economic hub. To achieve this, we must develop infrastructure and produce skilled manpower."

Md Deen Islam, associate professor at the University of Dhaka's Department of Economics, called for curriculum reform, a stronger focus on STEM, critical thinking, problem-solving, and expanded vocational apprenticeships.

"Success depends on investing in human capital, liberalising trade, diversifying exports, mobilising investment, creating quality jobs for youth, and ensuring climate resilience," said the economist.

He cautioned that political instability can quickly undermine investor confidence.

Ananya Raihan, a member of the Labour Reform Commission, said that despite significant investment in skills over the past 15 years, quality improvements remain limited.

"Training programmes have been riddled with corruption, forcing many unskilled workers to seek opportunities abroad," she said.

She noted that while 38 ministries provide skills training, their effectiveness is minimal and that the private sector should be incentivised to lead workforce development.

She also highlighted the informal economy's dominance, with 84% of businesses and 86% of the workforce operating outside formal structures. "Small entrepreneurs fear formalisation because registration brings tax obligations. They hesitate to enter the formal sector," she said.

She called for a clear roadmap for the next two decades, with long-term policy guarantees. "If small businesses are given at least 10 years of tax-free benefits, they would be more willing to formalise and access opportunities. Long-term policy certainty is essential."