‘Overreliance on govt jobs contributing to youth unemployment’

A tendency among young people to view government jobs as the only secure and prestigious career is contributing to youth unemployment, a Rajshahi University teacher has said.

Dr Murshida Ferdous Binte Habib, director of the university’s Shahid Sukhranjan Samaddar Teacher-Student Cultural Center (TSCC), made the remarks at a discussion on “Youth Unemployment: Causes, Social Impact and Possible Solutions” at the university’s RAKSU building on Monday (21 Sept).

The discussion was organised by the Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Rajshahi University chapter.

Dr Murshida said many young people spend years preparing for government jobs, limiting their opportunities to pursue other forms of employment.

“Long preparation, a limited number of posts and intense competition mean many young people wait for years to enter government service,” she said.

She called for a change in the social perception that private-sector jobs are less prestigious and urged young people to explore entrepreneurship.

“New ventures not only create employment for entrepreneurs themselves but also generate job opportunities for others,” she said.

She also called on educated young people to develop a positive attitude towards risk-taking, innovation and entrepreneurship.

Speaking at the discussion, Lecturer Md Tafhimul Islam of the Department of Social Work said the inability to keep pace with changing labour market demands was another major cause of youth unemployment.

“An academic degree alone does not guarantee employment. It is also essential to acquire market-oriented and modern skills,” he said.

He said a large number of young people were competing for a limited number of government jobs and urged them to move beyond conventional career expectations.

He stressed the importance of developing skills in technology, communication, English, data analysis and digital marketing, saying practical skills and experience gained during academic life could create new opportunities in both domestic and international labour markets.

Alfaz Uddin Tonic, president of the Bashundhara Shuvosangho’s Rajshahi University chapter, said youth unemployment was one of the major challenges facing society.

He said young people should focus on developing their skills, creativity and potential instead of relying solely on government jobs.

The event was moderated by Arif Mia, student welfare affairs secretary of Shuvosangho RU unit.