Bangladesh-demographic-dividend

Bangladesh has a massive working-age population, but due to slow job creation, low female labor force participation, and a persistent skills deficit, the country is failing to capitalize on its favorable demographic dividend. As a result, it is missing its high production targets and economic growth goals. This alarming picture was revealed in the World Bank’s 2026 report titled “Demographic Change in South Asia: From Tailwinds to Headwinds for Development.” The report was published on...

Rashedul Islam is from Majher Char in Harinchawra of Lalmonirhat Sadar. He passed his Secondary School Certificate (SSC) examination in 2021. But due to poor transportation facilities and financial hardship, he could not continue his education. The young man has spent the past five years sitting idle. He has not received any technical training either that could have helped him to be employed.Rashedul said he would have started a business if he had the money. But he does not have the capital. He...

Bangladesh is going through a demographic transition or a population shift. About two-thirds of the total population is of working age, which is referred to as the demographic dividend. A demographic dividend is defined as the change in the age structure of a population that occurs when a country’s birth and death rates decrease, creating an opportunity to accelerate economic growth. Generally, those aged 15 to 64 are considered the working-age population. When the working-age populat...