Manpower in Bangladesh

Bangladesh, a country with a population exceeding 170 million, has a vast and dynamic labour force that plays a critical role in its social economic development. The term “manpower” in the context of Bangladesh encompasses a wide range of skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled workers, both within the country and abroad. As a developing nation, Bangladesh relies heavily on its human resources to drive key industries, sustain economic growth, and contribute to foreign exchange earnings, particularly through labour migration.
Domestically, Bangladesh’s labour force is active in several major sectors such as agriculture, garments and textiles, construction, transportation, and the emerging information and communication technology (ICT) industry. Agriculture still employs a significant portion of the workforce, although its contribution to GDP has declined in recent years. The ready-made garment (RMG) industry, in particular, is the backbone of the country’s economy, employing over four million workers, most of whom are women. This sector not only provides employment opportunities but also empowers rural populations by integrating them into the urban workforce.

The growth of the service sector and the rise of digital platforms have created new avenues for skilled labour, especially among the youth. Government initiatives like “Digital Bangladesh” have promoted ICT education and entrepreneurship, encouraging a shift toward more knowledge-based employment. However, challenges remain in terms of aligning education and training systems with market demands. The mismatch between skills provided by institutions and those required by industries results in underemployment and low productivity in many areas.

One of the most significant aspects of Bangladesh’s manpower is its contribution to the global labour market. Over 13 million Bangladeshi workers are employed abroad, particularly in the Middle East, Southeast Asia, and Europe. These migrant workers send home billions of dollars in remittances annually—an essential source of foreign currency that supports the national economy, strengthens foreign reserves, and improves the livelihoods of millions of families. In 2023, remittance inflows reached around $21 billion, demonstrating the economic significance of overseas employment.

Bangladeshi government

To enhance the quality and competitiveness of its workforce, the Bangladeshi government and various development organisations have invested in technical and vocational education and training (TVET) programs. These aim to improve skills in areas such as construction, caregiving, hospitality, and IT. Additionally, policies have been implemented to ensure safer migration practices, reduce exploitation, and improve transparency in the recruitment process.

Despite progress, Bangladesh still faces several manpower-related challenges. These include population pressure, low productivity, inadequate job opportunities, gender inequality in employment, and brain drain due to the emigration of highly skilled individuals. To maximise the potential of its manpower, the country must focus on improving education quality, expanding training opportunities, ensuring decent work conditions, and encouraging innovation.

In conclusion, manpower is one of Bangladesh’s most valuable assets. With strategic planning, investment in human capital, and effective labour policies, Bangladesh can harness its vast workforce to achieve sustainable development, reduce poverty, and build a resilient economy for the future.