Academics and Practitioners’ Views Concerning the States of Unemployment and Unemployability of Bangladeshi Graduates

Abstract

Unemployment has been one of the biggest challenges plaguing the global economy as well as that of Bangladesh. A question that immediately comes to mind when we talk about the unemployment is: what is the actual problem? Is it unemployment or unemployability? Unemployment and unemployability are two different issues. Unemployment is a situation of job unavailability; on the other hand, being unemployable means that a job seeker does not possess the prerequisite soft skills and qualities that a specific job demands despite being technically proficient. Unemployment of the graduates in Bangladesh has been a serious problem. Lately, graduates are more prone to business education, which in more transferable to the job. In 2013, about 41% Bangladeshi youths were considered NEET (Not in Employment, Education or Training) and the portion of young unemployed NEETs was 78%, according to the report. One of the main problems lies in the system of imparting education and the subsequent assessment of additional soft skills and capabilities needed to survive in today’s competitive work atmosphere. This paper has considered whether the issue is unemployment or unemployability. Are there enough jobs or do the graduates in Bangladesh really possess the right skills and qualifications for the jobs available? The solution lies not only in ensuring the balance between the two but also in measuring the employability skills efficiently. The purpose of the study is to know the states of unemployability and unemployment of Bangladeshi graduates as well as the facts behind the sates. Selected academics and practitioners were interviewed using purposive sampling techniques. The study addressed the issues of unemployability and unemployment, identified the facts and ended with a few policy recommendations.