The Bangladesh government has announced a plan to create 10 million new jobs within the next five years to address the country’s severe employment crisis. Each year, around 2 to 2.2 million young people enter the job market, but limited opportunities leave many unemployed or underemployed. The plan, led by the General Economics Division (GED), aims to generate about 8 million jobs domestically and 1.5 million through overseas employment, with the private sector driving most of the growth in services, industry, and agriculture.

Officials said investment-led production expansion will be the main strategy, supported by a 60,000 crore taka fund, tax reforms, and renewable energy initiatives. Prime Minister’s adviser Dr. Rashed Al Mahmud Titumir emphasized policy continuity and infrastructure improvements, including railway modernization. However, economists and business leaders warned that fragile financial conditions, high inflation, and energy shortages could hinder investment and job creation. The Bangladesh Investment Development Authority acknowledged that resolving the energy crisis could take up to two years.

Experts from universities and research institutions stressed that sustainable employment growth requires stronger financial institutions, macroeconomic stability, and reliable labor data. They also noted that private investment has stagnated at around 23–24 percent of GDP for over a decade, limiting job expansion.