Bangladesh has immense potential to improve the skills of its manpower and become a major leader in the global workforce market. With a young, growing population and a strong tradition of overseas employment, Bangladesh can position itself as a key player in the international manpower economy by focusing on skill development, education, and strategic workforce deployment.
Key Strategies for Improving Bangladeshi Manpower Skills
Investing in Vocational Training and Technical Education:
Expanding Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET): Bangladesh needs to increase access to and the quality of vocational training programs to equip workers with the technical skills demanded by global industries. Aligning these programs with international standards and certification systems will make Bangladeshi workers more competitive globally.
Example:
The Bureau of Manpower, Employment, and Training (BMET) in Bangladesh has been expanding its training programs to provide skills in sectors like construction, healthcare, IT, and manufacturing, which are in high demand internationally.
Reference:
BMET’s collaboration with countries like Malaysia and the UAE, as well as its partnerships with international organizations such as the International Labour Organization (ILO), helps ensure that training programs meet global standards.
Developing Digital Skills and IT Competency:
Promoting IT and Digital Literacy: As the global economy increasingly shifts towards digital industries, Bangladesh can capitalize on the demand for IT professionals, software developers, and digital marketers. By integrating digital skills into the education system and offering specialized courses in coding, cybersecurity, and AI, Bangladesh can prepare its workforce for the future.
Example:
The Learning and Earning Development Project (LEDP) by the government aims to train over 200,000 young Bangladeshis in freelancing, e-commerce, and digital entrepreneurship. This program has already contributed significantly to Bangladesh’s rise in the global freelance market.
Reference:
The Bangladesh Association of Software and Information Services (BASIS) and government efforts have enabled Bangladesh to rank as one of the top countries in the global outsourcing industry, according to reports by the Oxford Internet Institute.
Strengthening public-private partnerships for workforce development:
Collaborating with the Private Sector: The government should work closely with industry leaders to ensure that training programs match the needs of both domestic and international markets. This can be achieved through partnerships between government agencies, businesses, and educational institutions to design curricula, offer internships, and provide job placement assistance.
Example:
Skills for Employment Investment Program (SEIP): Funded by the Asian Development Bank (ADB), the SEIP program works with the private sector to train workers in high-demand industries, including garments, textiles, IT, and construction, ensuring that Bangladeshi workers have skills that are directly applicable to market needs.
Reference:
According to ADB reports, the SEIP program has trained over 500,000 workers, with a strong focus on women and marginalized communities, making Bangladesh’s labour force more diverse and globally competitive.
Promoting English Language Proficiency:
Improving Language Skills: English is the dominant language in many international markets, and proficiency in English is essential for success in sectors such as IT, tourism, and professional services. Bangladesh can improve its global workforce competitiveness by making English language training a priority in schools, vocational training centers, and professional courses.
Example:
The British Council’s English for Work programs in Bangladesh aim to improve the language skills of young professionals and job seekers, increasing their employability in international markets, particularly in English-speaking countries like the UK, Australia, and Canada.
Reference:
Surveys by EF Education First rank Bangladesh’s English proficiency as improving, but there is room for growth, especially in the professional and technical sectors.
Encouraging Overseas Employment and Labor Migration:
Strengthening Overseas Employment Policies: Bangladesh has long been a key supplier of labour to the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. By ensuring that overseas workers receive training and support before deployment, the government can enhance the reputation of Bangladeshi workers and ensure higher-paying jobs for them abroad.
Example:
The Overseas Employment and Migrants Act (2013), along with initiatives by the Ministry of Expatriates’ Welfare and Overseas Employment, has helped streamline the process of sending skilled workers abroad, ensuring better wages and working conditions for Bangladeshi expatriates.
Reference:
According to reports from the World Bank, remittances from overseas workers are a major source of income for Bangladesh, accounting for around 7% of the country’s GDP. Strengthening this sector by focusing on skill development can further boost remittances and create more opportunities for Bangladeshi workers abroad.
Expanding Healthcare and Medical Training Programs:
Training Healthcare Professionals: There is growing global demand for healthcare workers, including doctors, nurses, and caregivers. Bangladesh has the potential to become a key supplier of healthcare professionals by expanding medical training programs and offering internationally recognized certifications in nursing and other healthcare fields.
Example:
The Bangladesh Nursing and Midwifery Council (BNMC) has been working to enhance the skills of nurses and midwives to meet international standards, enabling them to work in countries like Canada, Australia, and the Gulf states.
Reference:
Reports from the World Health Organization (WHO) indicate that global demand for nurses will grow by 8% annually, presenting an opportunity for Bangladesh to train and export healthcare professionals.
Focusing on Green and Sustainable Jobs:
Sustainability and Green Job Training: With increasing global attention on climate change and sustainable development, there is growing demand for skilled workers in green industries, including renewable energy, waste management, and eco-friendly manufacturing. Bangladesh can tap into this by developing training programs in these areas.
Example:
Bangladesh’s Green Climate Fund (GCF) projects, focused on renewable energy and climate adaptation, could provide training opportunities for workers in sectors like solar energy installation and sustainable agriculture.
Reference:
Reports from the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) suggest that global employment in the renewable energy sector will rise to over 40 million by 2050, presenting an opportunity for Bangladesh to create a skilled workforce in this field.
Can Bangladesh Become a World Leader in Manpower?
Yes, Bangladesh has the potential to become a world leader in the manpower market, but it requires a strategic focus on several key areas:
Young and Growing Population:
With a median age of around 27 years, Bangladesh has a large, youthful workforce. If properly trained, this demographic advantage can be turned into an economic asset, similar to how countries like India and the Philippines have leveraged their young populations in IT and healthcare sectors.
Strong Overseas Employment Tradition: Bangladesh has decades of experience in sending workers abroad, particularly to the Middle East and Southeast Asia. By upgrading the skills of these workers, the country can ensure that its expatriates are better paid and better protected in foreign markets.
Education Reforms: Bangladesh needs to reform its education system to focus more on skills-based learning, critical thinking, and innovation. With the right policies in place, it can transform its young population into a workforce that is ready for the challenges of the 21st-century economy.
Government Support: The Bangladeshi government has already taken steps through initiatives like BMET, SEIP, and LEDP, but scaling these programs and ensuring international collaboration is essential.
Conclusion
Bangladesh has significant potential to become a global leader in the manpower market by investing in skill development, especially in sectors like IT, healthcare, and green industries. With strategic policies, increased focus on vocational training, and strong public-private partnerships, Bangladesh can build a workforce that meets global demand and drives economic growth.
References:
- BMET & ILO: Bangladesh’s collaboration with international bodies to improve workforce standards.
- ADB SEIP Program: Reports from the Asian Development Bank on workforce training and employment outcomes.
- WHO: Global reports on the rising demand for healthcare professionals and Bangladesh’s potential to supply skilled labour.
- Oxford Internet Institute: Rankings and reports on Bangladesh’s growth in the outsourcing and freelancing industry.
By focusing on these areas, Bangladesh can significantly enhance its position as a key player in the international manpower market.