Youth pin hopes on jobs, skills drive in budget FY27

As the BNP government is set to place the national budget for the fiscal year 2026–27 in Parliament on Thursday, young people across Bangladesh are closely watching whether the proposed financial plan will translate into real opportunities for employment, skills development and economic stability.

The total outlay of the budget is likely to be Tk9.38 lakh crore, the largest in the country’s history. According to Finance Division officials, the budget is being framed under the broad theme of “Economic Democratization and Deregulation: Bangladesh’s Journey Towards a Trillion-Dollar Economy.”

Key proposals under consideration include higher allocations for education and health, a Tk225 crore entrepreneurship development fund, Tk2,000 crore SME entrepreneurship support, partial implementation of a new pay scale for public servants, and the introduction of an “E-Health Card” programme targeting 2.5 million citizens. The plan also includes expanded social safety net programmes and a target of creating overseas employment opportunities for 10 million people. In addition, Tk300 crore may be allocated for creative economic activities aimed at steering young people away from drugs, extremism and antisocial behaviour.

Against this backdrop, students, young entrepreneurs and professionals have expressed mixed expectations, with a common demand for practical implementation rather than policy announcements.

Students call for stronger education investment

University students said the budget must prioritise quality education, digital access and research opportunities.

“We don’t just need increased allocation; we need visible improvement in classrooms, labs and digital facilities,” said Rafaet Zameel, a student of Dhaka University.

“If education quality improves, job pressure will automatically reduce,” he added.

Al Mahmud Bijoy, a student of the Department of Geology and Mining at the University of Rajshahi, said the government should focus on improving both education and research by allocating adequate funds for research activities and ensuring better residential facilities for students.

Young entrepreneurs seek real access to funding

Startup founders and aspiring entrepreneurs welcomed the proposed entrepreneurship and SME funds but raised concerns over accessibility.

Wasim Sheikh, a young e-commerce entrepreneur said, “Funds are often announced, but reaching them is difficult due to complex procedures and lack of collateral support. If Tk2,000 crore SME support becomes truly accessible, it can change the game.”

Khalid Saifullah, owner of Jashore-based Swapnobhumi Agro, said rising fuel and electricity prices are disrupting production in agriculture and other sectors. He urged the government to provide subsidies in these areas through the national budget to encourage local production.

He also called for reducing taxes on imported inputs used in agricultural and industrial production to help lower costs and boost competitiveness.

Call for strategic investment in skills development

Salman Shakil, a Bangladeshi PhD student at the University of Florida in the United States, said the main challenge in youth-focused budget allocations lies in poor implementation, coordination and monitoring, with much of the funding often consumed by administrative formalities rather than meaningful skills development.

He also criticised the continued focus on outdated training programmes that deliver little economic value.

“To harness Bangladesh’s demographic dividend, the government should increase investment in modern, market-driven skills development for young people. Such spending is a strategic investment that can reduce unemployment and generate long-term economic returns by transforming the country's large youth population into a skilled workforce,” he said.

Professionals stress job security and income growth

Young professionals in the private sector said inflation and stagnant wages remain their biggest concern.

Bellal Hossain, a young bank employee based in Dhaka said, “Salary adjustments rarely match inflation. If the budget can address real income erosion, it will bring relief to thousands like us.”

Tareque Hossain Tutul, a young teacher added that partial implementation of the new pay scale for government employees is being closely watched, but private sector parity is equally important.

Healthcare and digital services raise expectations

Many young citizens also expressed hope over the proposed “e-Health Card” initiative.

Niaz Morshed, a young doctor based in Joypurhat said, “If digital health services are properly implemented, it can reduce pressure on hospitals and make healthcare more accessible.”

Desire for overseas job opportunities

With the target of creating overseas employment for 10 million people, many job seekers said safe migration channels and skill certification would be key.

“We want structured training and verified job placements abroad, not just targets on paper,” said Jamshed Alam, a migration aspirant from Cumilla.

Call for implementation over promises

Across all groups, one message remained consistent: effective implementation.

Young people said previous budgets had often included ambitious targets, but weak execution limited impact. They urged policymakers to ensure transparency, reduce corruption and simplify access to state support systems.

As Budget 2026–27 approaches, Bangladesh’s youth appear hopeful but cautious -- seeking not only promises of a trillion-dollar economy, but tangible pathways to be part of it.