The widening gap between education and the job market has become a significant concern for the youth of Bangladesh, speakers noted at a policy dialogue in Chattogram on Wednesday.

This mismatch is fueling growing discontent among the younger generation, they added.

The policy dialogue, titled "Youth Employment: Expectations and Recommendations," was organised by Democracy International under the "Amio Jitte Chai" (I also want to win) campaign, funded by USAID at the Chattogram Theater Institute.

The speakers emphasised the urgent need for the government to take effective measures to bridge the gap between education and employment.

Md. M. Mahiduddin Chowdhury, director and CEO of Clifton Group, said, "Our education system is quite traditional. A student finishes their Masters without any internship or job experience. This creates a huge gap between education and work experience."

He urged students to gain work and business experience alongside their studies to address the unemployment issue. "Instead of pushing young people only towards government jobs, families should be encouraged to become entrepreneurs," he added.

Alexius Chicham, Chattogram head of the International Labour Organization (ILO), said there is a disparity between the education systems in rural and urban areas. "But in the job market, I have to compete with people who have studied abroad and have good English," he said. "Policymakers need to address this educational disparity."

The event began with a welcome speech by Aminul Ehsan, Deputy Chief of Party at Democracy International. He explained that the "Amio Jitte Chai" campaign aims to raise awareness about social issues and the rights of citizens that have been ignored for a long time.

Through USAID's Strengthening Political Landscape (SPL) project, Democracy International is carrying out various activities across Bangladesh under this campaign. These activities include discussions, theater performances, debate competitions, and more at universities and districts across the country. Citizens can share their opinions and demands on the campaign's website, www.amiojittechai.com.

At the event, Sadrul Amin, Senior Regional Manager of Democracy International, also spoke about the "Amio Jitte Chai" campaign. Other speakers included Farhana Juthi, Former President of the Chattogram University Debating Society, Abdullah Al Mamun, Former Adjutant of the BNCC Karnaphuli Regiment, and ANM Tamjid, Youth Chief of Bangladesh Red Crescent Society.
Besides the policy dialogue, the event also featured a drama on civic issues, a quiz, a video message competition, and a screening of campaign reels. Over 200 students from various educational institutions in Chattogram, media workers, and civil society representatives attended the event.