With one-third of the population (47.4 million) aged 15 to 29, Bangladesh has a significant opportunity to leverage its youth for economic growth, according to the Bangladesh Bureau of Statistics (BBS). However, the youth unemployment rate stands at 8 per cent — more than double the national average — underscores critical gaps in skills and career guidance. A 2024 Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) survey revealed that one in four National University graduates remains unemployed, particularly in rural areas and among women. Alarmingly, 97 per cent of these graduates reported receiving no career counselling or job-seeking assistance from their institutions, leaving them unprepared to meet the evolving demands of the job market.
To address these challenges, BRAC’s Skills Development Programme (SDP), through its CareerHub initiative, organised the Youth Career Expo in Chattogram on 21 January (Tuesday). The event aimed to connect young job seekers with employers while offering career guidance, skill development opportunities, and pathways to employment.
Md. Kamruzzaman, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Chattogram, inaugurated the expo as the Guest of Honour. The event was graced by Sharmin Jahan, Additional Divisional Commissioner (Development) of Chattogram, as the Chief Guest. Khandakar Jakir Hossain, Deputy Director, Department of Youth Development, Chattogram was present as the Special Guest. Other distinguished guests included Atia Chowdhury, Deputy Director of the Department of Women Affairs; Urbashi Dewan, Assistant Director of the Department of Social Services; and Zahidul Karim Kochi, Member Secretary of Chattogram Press Club; KAM Morshed, Senior Director of BRAC, and Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman, Associate Director of the BRAC Skills Development Programme.
In his speech, Md. Kamruzzaman, stressed the importance of lifelong learning, whether in job preparation or career advancement.
Sharmin Jahan highlighted the expo’s critical role in connecting Bangladesh’s youth with opportunities that align with their aspirations.
Khandakar Jakir Hossain emphasised that BRAC’s CareerHub has become a vital platform, bridging the gap between job seekers and employers in today’s competitive job market.
KAM Morshed outlined BRAC’s strategic vision for the 2026–2030, which includes creating employment opportunities for 1 million people over the next five years.
Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman underscored CareerHub’s efforts to equip youth for the workforce through job readiness training. She noted that success in the rapidly evolving job market requires not just education but also adaptable skills, particularly in the context of digital advancements.
A key highlight of the closing event was the panel discussion, ‘Navigating Career Opportunities in a Competitive Job Market,’ moderated by Tasmiah Tabassum Rahman. The panel featured industry leaders, including Md. Foysal Wahid, Head of HR at Walton Plaza; Mst. Shuly Akhter, Senior Manager, Lead, HRPB (Retail) at Aarong; Md. Jahidul Islam, Manager of HR and Admin at Minister Hi-Tech Park Ltd; and Towsif Alam, Area Manager at Berger Paints Bangladesh Ltd.
Held at Zila Shilpakala Academy, the expo welcomed over 1,000 participants, offerting direct access to employment opportunities, career counselling, and valuable insights from employers. Twenty-six leading organisations from diverse sectors participated, including Aarong, BRAC Bank PLC, Berger Paints Bangladesh Limited, Genex Infosys PLC, Ghashful, GPH Ispat Limited, Minister Hi-Tech Park Limited, M.M. Ispahani Limited, PRAN-RFL Group, PriyoShop, Tasty Treat, Teach For Bangladesh, and Walton Group. The day-long event also featured walk-in interviews for immediate recruitment, career counselling sessions, employer presentations, and panel discussions on youth unemployment in Bangladesh. Nearly 400 participants were shortlisted and confirmed for various positions, reflecting the tangible outcomes of the event.
Since its inception, CareerHub has established a strong presence in Chattogram, Cox’s Bazar, Khulna, Rangpur, and Sylhet, offering job readiness support and connecting job seekers with potential employers. As Bangladesh’s second-largest economic hub, Chattogram plays a pivotal role in national development. The Chattogram CareerHub continues to be a catalyst for sustainable workforce development in the region.
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