One out of 4 National University graduates are unemployed: BIDS

A recent Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) publication revealed that 28 percent (more than one out of four) of National University students remain unemployed after graduation.
A majority of the ones who secure employment are primarily engaged in low-paying jobs, the study further revealed.
The study titled, “Understanding unemployment among college graduates” was unveiled at the BIDS annual conference at a Dhaka hotel this morning.
The findings of the study–featuring an in-depth analysis of labor market outcomes and economic activities of NU graduates, teaching-learning environment, challenges and way forward—was presented by the institutes’ research director SM Zulfiqar Ali.
A total of 1,340 graduates, 670 existing students, and the principals of 61 of the total 608 NU affiliated collages, alongside 100 employers, participated in the study.
According to the study, most NU students specialise in social sciences, humanities and business studies, with a few (3.82 percent at undergraduate and 3.10 percent at postgraduate levels) pursuing science subjects.
A significant 44.26 percent are business studies graduates, on whom 42.29 percent are job holders while 16.24 percent are self-employed.
The study also found unemployment to be more prevalent among women and students in rural areas. The students who skip higher secondary certification also face high unemployment rates. However, the rates were lower for technical or madrasa (Dakhil) background graduates.
BA pass course graduates and the ones majoring in political science, library management, Bangla, and Islamic history and culture face higher unemployment. However, those specialising in English, economics, accounting, sociology, and finance and banking have lower unemployment rates.
Around 36 percent NU graduates are employed as teachers while 43.13 percent aspire for government jobs.
The study also pointed out several challenges, most prominently low student attendance, poor quality of education, lack of incentives and training for teachers, and education programmes in misalignment with job market demands.
SM Zulfiqar Ali recommended ensuring quality teaching and learning, introducing teachers’ feedback and market-based learning facilities, alongside inclusion of co-curricular and soft-skill activities at NU affiliated collages to improve education quality.
A recent Bangladesh Institute of Development Studies (BIDS) publication revealed that 28 percent (more than one out of four) of National University students remain unemployed after graduation.
A majority of the ones who secure employment are primarily engaged in low-paying jobs, the study further revealed.
The study titled, “Understanding unemployment among college graduates” was unveiled at the BIDS annual conference at a Dhaka hotel this morning.
The findings of the study–featuring an in-depth analysis of labor market outcomes and economic activities of NU graduates, teaching-learning environment, challenges and way forward—was presented by the institutes’ research director SM Zulfiqar Ali.
A total of 1,340 graduates, 670 existing students, and the principals of 61 of the total 608 NU affiliated collages, alongside 100 employers, participated in the study.
According to the study, most NU students specialise in social sciences, humanities and business studies, with a few (3.82 percent at undergraduate and 3.10 percent at postgraduate levels) pursuing science subjects.
A significant 44.26 percent are business studies graduates, on whom 42.29 percent are job holders while 16.24 percent are self-employed.
The study also found unemployment to be more prevalent among women and students in rural areas. The students who skip higher secondary certification also face high unemployment rates. However, the rates were lower for technical or madrasa (Dakhil) background graduates.
BA pass course graduates and the ones majoring in political science, library management, Bangla, and Islamic history and culture face higher unemployment. However, those specialising in English, economics, accounting, sociology, and finance and banking have lower unemployment rates.
Around 36 percent NU graduates are employed as teachers while 43.13 percent aspire for government jobs.
The study also pointed out several challenges, most prominently low student attendance, poor quality of education, lack of incentives and training for teachers, and education programmes in misalignment with job market demands.
SM Zulfiqar Ali recommended ensuring quality teaching and learning, introducing teachers’ feedback and market-based learning facilities, alongside inclusion of co-curricular and soft-skill activities at NU affiliated collages to improve education quality.